Olork  of  m  mystic  Seven 

Hnd  em  muceildNeous  Poems 


IRVING  B.  HAVES,  M.  D, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/workofmysticseve01haye 


mork  of  the  mystic  Seven 


CONCEALING   AND    REVEALING  GEMS 
FROM   THE   BORDERLAND    OF  KNOWLEDGE 

(Uitb  d  few  miscellaneous  Poems 

BY 

IRVING  B.  HAYES,  A.  B.,  M.  D. 


Prioately  Printed  for  tbe  Jimbor 

W7 


Copyright,  1897,  By  Irving  B.  Hayes 


THE  BRYANT  PRINTING  COMPANY, 
FLORENCE,  MASS. 


RESERVED  FOR  DIAGRAMS 


PREFACE  TO  -  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC 
SEVEN  " 

"Work  of  the  Mystic  Seven"  had  its  origin  in  a  rather 
unique  manner  as  might  be  inferred  from  its  perusal.  It  may 
not  be  amiss,  therefore,  to  give  a  history  of  the  growth  and 
development   of  the   ideas  which  finally   led  to  its  completion. 

In  the  first  place  the  life  and  training  of  the  author  hail 
much  to  do  with  it  as  it  had  also  much  to  do  with  leading 
him  to  a  possession  of  those  facts  which  all  ages  have  counted 
a  priceless  heritage  never  to  be  revealed.  It  may  be  here 
stated  that  much  can  never  be  revealed  and  never  should  be, 
except  to  those  minds  that  have  proved  themselves  worthy  by 
the  strictest  tests,  as  for  example,  the  interpretations  of  esoteric 
writings. 

The  mind  of  the  author  was  never  defrauded  of  its  birthright 
to  investigate  the  truth  for  itself  and  was  never  humbled  to 
submission  to  the  follies  of  any  conventional  system.  Descended 
from  a  long  line  of  New  England  ancestry,  the  spirit  of  inves- 
tigation with  an  untrammelled  mind  was  well  developed.  His 
earliest  conception  of  deity  was  that  of  a  goodman  that  lived 
in  the  sky  just  over  a  great  elm  tree,  who  had  made  every- 
thing and  everybody.  This  was  somewhat  modified  when  it 
was  told  that  an  older  brother  had  in  his  youth,  after  being 
told  that  God    had   made    everything,  made  this  sage  inquiry, 


5 


"Who  made  God?"  It  would  appear  that  the  child  mind  is 
often  quite  as  much  interested  in  getting  at  the  truth  of  the 
first  cause  as  the  more  adult  intellect.  There  is  no  doubt  also 
that  it  is  as  quickly  offended  at  misrepresentations  when  once 
the  truth  is  made  known.  From  that  time  forward  he  regarded 
nature  as  an  unsolved  mystery  which  he  determined  to  investi- 
gate by  every  means  within  reach.  The  great  advancement  the 
pjesent  age  is  making  in  all  directions,  was  early  realized  and 
it  was  firmly  believed  that  no  mystery  of  nature  was  too  great 
for  man  to  solve.  Perhaps  this  was  a  mistake,  but  it  is, 
nevertheless,  not  an  unpleasant  thought. 

After  the  death  of  a  sister  when  he  was  thirteen  years  of  age 
a  more  definite  determination  was  formed  to  apply  himself  to 
this  investigation  ;  and  then  began  the  plans  for  a  full  collegi- 
ate course  of  study.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  accordingly,  his 
father  accompanied  him  to  Illinois  and  placed  him  under  the 
tuition  of  an  older  brother.  After  two  years  in  that  genial  part 
of  the  country,  the  long  planned  collegiate  course  was  begun  in 
the  winter  of  1879  and  1880,  and  continued  with  the  usual 
vicissitudes  till  its  completion  in  1883.  At  that  time  the  ideas 
of  universal  principles  of  nature  had  already  taken  definite  shape. 
The  conclusion  had  been  reached  that  among  these  principles 
there  were  harmonious  relations  and  that  each  was  infinite  and 
unlimited  by  anything.  Being  different  from  all  else,  each 
principle,  when  considered,  must  correspond  to  an  independent 
interrogative.  Finally  when  once  understood  it  was  believed 
that  they   would  so   correlate  as  to  furnish   their  own  proofs. 


6 


A  more  definite  opinion  was  formed  that  they  were  seven  in 
number  and  had  the  particular  relationship  which  in  a  measure 
is  here  shown.  It  was,  however,  during  the  following  year 
while  pursuing  a  post-graduate  course  at  the  Thayer  School 
of  Civil  Engineering,  that,  chancing  to  glance  at  the  book 
of  Revelations,  he  became  convinced  that  these  principles  formed 
a  part  of  the  ancient  lore  of  man. 

Pursuing  the  study  and  practice  of  Civil  Engineering  till  1886 
he  found  himself  in  New  York  City,  after  terminating  an  engage- 
ment as  computor  of  triangulations  in  Albany.  It  was  there  he 
became  acquainted  with  a  peculiar  genius — a  man  in  middle  life 
who,  owing  to  an  accident  in  early  life  had  lost  his  hearing 
and  sight  except  what  could  be  gained  by  a  large  magnifying 
glass  that  he  carried  in  his  hand.  An  Irish-American,  bom  a 
catholic,  this  man,  so  confined  within  himself,  had  devoted 
many  years  to  constant  study,  making  his  living  mainly  by 
writing  and  public  speaking.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  his 
early  faith  was  gone  from  him,  and  in  its  place  was  much 
of  the  philosophy  of  the  present  age  coupled  with  advanced 
knowledge  of  ancient  mysteries.  He  had  spent  years  in  the 
great  libraries  of  the  metropolis  and  associated  with  many  keen 
minds.  It  was  through  him  that  the  author  was  led  to  much 
of  that  extra-collegiate  literature  bearing  upon  ancient  philosophy 
and  into  associations  of  which  the  multitude  know  little. 

It  was  already  decided  that  the  profession  of  Civil  Engineering 
was  unsafe  as  a  life  work  owing  to  the  frequent  depressions  in 
financial  affairs  and  it  was  also  decided  to  follow  his  brother's 


7 


steps  in  the  study  of  medicine.  This  was  commenced  immedi- 
ately so  that  the  stay  in  New  Yori<  continued  most  of  the 
time  till  1889.  Previous  to  that  date  it  was  decided  to  put 
these  thoughts  into  definite  shape.  A  few  verses  were  already 
written  that  with  slight  alteration   remain   in  the  present  work. 

During  the  next  four  years,  however,  his  mind  was  fully 
employed  in  the  practice  of  medicine.  Having  removed  to 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  where  a  new  field  and  new  surroundings  were 
found,  the  whole  matter  was  in  a  way  likely  to  be  abandoned. 
But  after  the  change  of  administration  in  1893  disposed  of 
the  property  that  had  been  acquired  in  Atlanta  and  again 
following  the  example  of  his  older  brother,  came  back  to  New 
England.  After  visiting  the  World's  Fair  and  looking  about  for 
several  months  it  was  finally  decided  to  locate  in  the  town 
where  he  at  present  resides — the  home  of  a  free  religious  society 
and  the  Cosmian  Hall.  It  is  here  that  most  of  the  real  labor 
of  compiling  the  present  work,  has  been  done. 

The  thoughts  themselves,  however,  had  received  many  years 
of  consideration.  After  entering  the  broader  fields  of  investiga- 
tion much  of  the  substance  here  presented,  was  developed,  no 
doubt,  through  reading  both  ancient  and  modem  literature ; 
but  the  seve;i  principles  remain  unchanged,  having  served  in 
connection  with  received  teachings  to  unlock  many  an  otherwise 
closed  entrance. 

This  work  is  submitted  to  those  of  his  friends  whom  the 
author  may  deem  advisable  as  a  means  of  entertainment  and  in 
the  hope  that  it  may   lead   on   toward  the   attainment  of  that 


8 


higher  knowledge  which  is  so  much  desired  by  all  lovers  of  the 
truth.  It  contains  much  of  concealed  mystery  and  for  that 
reason  it  may  be  proper  to  recommend  it  to  some  as  a  diver- 
sion for  the  mind.  It  contains  also  many  practical  hints  on 
the  philosophy  of  life  which  may  help  the  moody  and  discon- 
solate to  more  agreeable  ways  of  thinking  and  living.  While 
the  stand  is  quite  positive  on  religious  topics  it  is  not  the  pur- 
pose of  the  author  to  antagonize  the  views  or  ways  of  others, 
well  knowing  that  people  derive  help  in  living  from  various 
modes  of  thought. 

It  is  believed,  however,  that  the  ideas  here  expressed  will  be 
found  to  coincide  with  the  beginnings  of  every  form  of  worship 
and  not  to  antagonize  the  good  of  any.  The  form  representing 
an  initiation  was  chosen  because  of  the  large  number  of  those 
ceremonies  that  have  rendered  people  familiar  with  such  affairs  ; 
but  out  of  deference  to  no  particular  order.  There  is  also  a 
more  remote  reason  in  the  thoughts  to  be  expressed  and  their 
ancient  history.  Without  further  explanation  the  author  will 
entrust  these  lines  to  those  he  may  deem  advisable. 

The  Author. 


9 


FABLE  OF  THE  WOLVES 


A  pack  of  wolves  upon  the  plains 
Long  hunted  for  venison  together, 

And  each  had  shared  in  toil  and  pains 
Fatigue  and  in  braving  the  weather. 

At  length  they  came  upon  a  stag 

Full-grown  and  both  pampered  and  lusty, 

The  chase  was  hard  but  none  could  lag 
O'er  plains  that  were  heated  and  dusty. 

Now  some  were  foremost  in  the  fray, 

Some  barked  loud,  and  some  labored  bravely ; 

But  when  the  stag  was  dead  one  day 

The  barkers  came  up  and  said  gravely :  — 

We  managed  this  with  care  and  skill 
And  claim  that  the  carcass  is  ours. 
Let  those  who  are  not  tired  still 
Exert  for  us  all  their  powers." 

And  so  one  half  were  kept  at  bay 

The  weary,  hungry,  and  foolish. 
Some  worked  and  growled  with  smell  for  pay, 

But  barkers  ate  stag  with  a  relish. 

11 


12 


FABLE  OF  THE  WOLVES. 


The  hungry  lot  in  vain  could  whine 

Or  lick  their  dry  chops  and  keep  snuffing. 

At  last  they  thought  they  would  combine 

With  those  who  had  worked  hard  for  nothings 

So  when  at  last  the  meat  was  gone 

And  nothing  was  left  worth  the  smelling, 

The  cheated  ones  combined  upon 

Revenge,  with  keen  hunger  impelling. 

The  growlers  and  whiners  joined  as  one 
With  those  who  were  faithful  but  cheated, 

They  seized  the  rogues  too  full  to  run 
And  ate  up  their  bodies  while  heated. 

And  now  the  live  ones  all  were  cloyed 
The  barkers  all  dead  and  devoured 

They  formed  a  compact  to  avoid 

All  risks  both  for  weak  and  empowered. 

Whenever  deer  are  captured  now 
Each  wolf  in  the  pack  gets  a  ration. 

The  laws  of  hunger  wolves  allow 
But  men  are  the  fools  of  creation. 


INSTINCT 


Have  you  seen  how  the  humming  bird  sips  the 
dew 

From  the  plum-tree  blooms  in  the  lane? 
How  he  steadies  himself  in  the  air  so  true 
While  he  drinks  the  sweets  they  contain  ? 

Have  you  watched  little  chickens  and  turkeys 
drop 

When  the  mother  hen  spies  a  hawk  ? 
And  how  quickly  they  scramble  to  fill  their  crop 
When  she  calls  with  coaxing  cu-cluck  ? 

Then   spiders   weave    webs   with  great  skill 
designed 

Where  the  flies  are  surest  to  go. 
Thus  are  cells  of  the  body  by  instinct  combined 

Best  arranged  for  the  good  they  bestow. 

One  may  ask  how  it  is  that  all  this  can  be. 

Truths  of  nature  grand  and  sublime ! 
Why  make  sport  of  our   thoughts  and  with 
child-like  glee 

Hide  within  our  minds  all  the  time? 


13 


INSTINCT. 


Is  the  problem  of  instinct  too  deep  to  solve 
While  the  world  is  full  of  its  work? 

When  a  thousand  details  of  our  lives  involve 
Traits  of  mind  that  must  in  us  lurk? 

From  our  birth  to  our  death  we  rehearse  a  tune 

Played  by  all  who  have  travelled  before. 
When  the  cords  are  well  struck  what  a  precious 
boon 

That  inspires  our  nature  to  soar ! 

Thus  the  notes  of  a  bird  are  a  song  to  him 

That  recalls  the  past  of  his  race, 
As  the  legends  of  old  when  the  past  grows  dim 

Fill  the  soul  with  valor  and  grace. 

Every  trait  of  the  mind  of  the  impulse,  sense, 

Life  itself  is  one  inherited  plan 
Which  we  all   should   protect   with   a  firm 
defense 

And  transmit  unmarred  if  we  can. 

For  the  instinct  descends  as  a  trait  of  mind 
Though  it  acts  unprompted  by  thought, 

While  it  forms  but  a  part  of  the  soul,  we  find, 
Breathing  life  into  forms  it  has  wrought. 


UNCLE  BECK—AN  EX-SLAVE 


Bowed  down  with  his  threescore  years  and  ten, 
With  the  toil  of  life  and  the  want  of  age 

Grey  bearded  and  wrinkled,  black,  his  skin 
But  his  looks  were  grave  and  his  manner  sage. 

**  Fine  day  Uncle  Beck.  How  goes  the  world?" 

'  *  Well  de  times  am  hard  but  I  scraps  along 
A  cobblin*  ol'  shoes."    His  thread  he  twirled 

As  he  paused  to  "  'splain  why  de  worl'  goes 
wrong." 

"  You  see  dese  'ere  niggers  haint  got  sense, 
Wid  a  boss  to  drive  'em  dey  works  all  right. 

But  min'  I  don'  say  or  make  pretense 
For  mysel'  I  likes  to  be  driven  quite. 

**  You  see  dat  my  masser  *fo'  de  war 
Was  a  gemman  fine  an'  he  uster  spree. 

Well  I  was  his  body  slave  and  lor' 

What  a  time  we  had  'fo'  dey  set  us  free. 

''Sometimes  he  come  fussin'  ravin'  'roun' 
An'  he  make  tings  blue  for  de  niggers  sho' 

Sometimes  we  got  lashed  and  wiped  de  groun' 
Den  I  tell  ye  tings  went  a  hummin'  the'. 


15 


1 6  UNCLE  BECK — AN  EX-SLAVE. 

De  paterole  men  came  'roun'  at  night, 
Alius  after  a  nigger  dat  stole  a  ham 
J  tell  ye  we  all  kep*  out  o'  sight 

When  we  heard  dose  hoofs  on  de  groun'  tram* 
tram'. 

De  time  o'  de  wa'  come  *roun*  at  las' 
An'  my  marser,  he  was  jes'  boun'  to  go 
Den  somehow  or  other  it  came  to  pass 
Dat  he  'sided  dis  nigger  serve  as  befo*. 

"So  off  to  de  wa'  we  hurried  on 
An'  de  lark  wa'  nebber  a  half  so  gay, 

We  thought  we  could  lick  all  de  Yankees  bo'n 
Befo'  breakfast  somebody  uster  say. 

But  when  we  came  back  de  tune  wa'  changed 
An'  de  lark  wa'  plucked  if  I  know  my  min'. 
So  den  come  on  freedom.    All  wa'  'ranged 
So's  to  suit  de  big  folks  'cross  de  line. 

**  Den  niggers  all  got  so  big  a  head 

Dat  dey  thought  dey  nebber  would  work  no 
mo' 

But  dance  ebry  night  an'  lay  abed 

An'  eat  pie  an'  possum  as  nebber  befo'. 


A  RIVER  DREAM 


17 


**  Do  ways  ob  de  worl'  am  hard  to  tell 
But  niggers  fin'  like  de  res*  o'  folks 

Day  haf  to  keep  sciamlin,  doin'  well 

If  day  keep  de  body  an'  soul  from  croaks." 


Wall  Uncle,  no  doubt  you  wish  old  times 
Would  come  back  again  with  their  rounds  of 
fun," 

"  My  thoughts  about  dat  soun'  bad  in  rhymes 
An'  I'm  gettin'  ol'  to  be  totin'  a  gun ; 


"  But  truf  mus'  be  tol'  or  nuffin'  'tall 

So  den  now  I'm  free  I  will  speak  my  min', 

If  ebber  I  hear  de  bugle  call 

I  will  wade  through  blood  into  freedom's  line." 


A  RIVER  DREAM 

We  sat  upon  the  river's  brink 
And  listened  to  its  babbling 

Until  the  sun  began  to  sink 
The  rosy  clouds  bedappling. 


i8 


A  RIVER  DREAM 


Chorus — 

Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright 

Through  shady  woodlands  winding 
With  heart  that  leaps  in  pure  delight 

Of  memories  dear  reminding? 

How  sweet  on  balmy  breezes  brought 
The  wild  perfume  of  flowers ! 

How  quick  the  notes  of  wood  birds  caught 
Receptive  ears  like  ours ! 

Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 
etc. 

For  then  we  dreamt  of  future  bliss 

Far  past  the  world  denying, 
And  there  we  pressed  that  sweetest  kiss 

For  which  true  hearts  were  sighing. 

Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 
etc. 

But  lo,  the  past  is  all  a  dream 

And  once  again  in  childhood 
We  rove  along  that  very  stream 

At  play  beneath  the  wildwood. 


A  RIVER  DREAM 


19 


Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright^ 
etc. 

There  stones  and  moss  in  shady  nook 
We  sought  for  hours  together, 

Or  dipped  the  baited  anglers  hook 
And  fished  in  lowery  weather. 

Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 
etc. 

But  now  are  others  by  our  side, 
This  blissful  dream  is  changing. 

We  feel  at  length  parental  pride 

Through  woods  with  children  ranging. 

Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 
etc. 

And  so  reflecting  on  the  past 

We  see  that  winding  river 
Where  oft  our  happy  lot  was  cast 

In  dreams  that  last  forever. 
Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 

etc. 


20  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Both  old  and  young  enjoy  such  dreams 

For  thus  the  soul  was  moulded. 
In  ages  past  we  dwelt  on  streams 

And  there  our  hearts  unfolded. 

Chorus — Oh  have  you  dreamt  of  rivers  bright, 
etc. 

WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN, 

CONCEALING    AND    REVEALING    GEMS    FROM  THE 
BORDERLAND  OF  KNOWLEDGE. 

May  wisdom,  finding  true  expression 

Here  couched  in  strange  and  varied  rhyme. 
From  ages  dark  with  fierce  oppression, 

Resound  through  corridors  of  time. 
Where  harps  respond  to  tones  recurring 

In  ancient  chords  from  human  hearts, 
A  deepened  sense  of  music  stirring 

That  man  may  guard  his  ancient  arts. 


APOLOGY. 


At  some  remote  forgotten  date 
When  men  were  wise  and  happy. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


21 


Before  the  ills  since  been  their  fate 

Had  rendered  half  unhappy, 
There  was  a  grand  old  mystic  rite 

All  nations  celebrated, 
And  by  a  dim  but  hallowed  light 

Their  precepts  formulated. 

Their  lessons  from  the  stars  were  taught 

And  names  to  these  were  given 
That  truths  to  mind  might  e'er  be  brought 

To  those  who  search  the  heaven. 
Such  are  the  facts  that  move 

My  erring  pen  to  scribble 
Some  things  we  never  yet  may  prove 

And  some  that  can  be  thribble. 

Some  parts  forsooth  are  backward  penned 

And  some  are  forward  written 
But  all  at  least  the  truth  defend 

Or  fit  it  like  a  mitten. 
Now  after  ages  past  and  gone 

To  learn  the  Mystic  Seven 
We  always  must  rely  upon 

The  stars  we  see  in  heaven. 


22  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Candidate  entering: — 

What  means  that  light  that  shines  so  bright? 
My  thoughts  it  claims  as  if  from  flames 
Their  essence  came,  or  were  the  same, 
My  head  is  dazed  if  not  quite  crazed 
By  such  a  glare  that  draws  me  there 
And  lures  me  on.    Ah  now  'tis  gone, 
A  little  spark  gleams  through  the  dark — 
The  spark  of  life  with  gladness  rife 
Which  all  men  strive  to  keep  alive 
And  cherish  so  their  joys  may  glow. 
I'll  take  my  turn  and  tr}^  to  learn 
What  that  may  be.    What  do  I  see?  " 

A  voice  from  within: — 

Hold  young  daring  youth. 
Must  thou  know  the  truth  ? 
Trifle  not  in  this, 
Seek  elsewhere  for  bliss. 
Backward  leads  this  light 
Through  the  gloom  of  night, 
Back  to  ancient  times, 
Back  to  distant  climes. 
First  the  peril  know, 
Then,  if  thou  wilt  go. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Just  to  learn  those  things, 
Braving-  pains  and  stings 
Which  the  past  has  known, 
Go,  but  not  alone. 
Ever  at  thy  side 
Shall  there  be  a  guide. 
Heed  his  words  and  hold 
Firm,  though  scenes  unfold 
That  shall  chill  thy  blood, 
Bring  anon  a  flood 
Of  hot  tears,  or  strain 
All  thy  nerves  with  pain. 
Such  has  been  the  course 
Of  that  vital  force 
Which  thou  seek  to  learn 
Which  within  must  burn 
As  it  has  before 
In  thy  sires  of  yore. 
That  the  heaving  waves. 
Which  the  sailor  braves, 
Stormy  winds  at  night. 
Or  the  war's  sad  plight, 
Are  like  music  sweet 
With  which  sirens  greet 
When  compared  to  this — 


24 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Like  a  sweetheart's  kiss, 
In  embowered  bliss 
To  a  serpent's  hiss. 
O  seek  not  abodes  of  death, 
But  rather  the  vital  breath, 
For  onward  thy  being  yearns 
To  speed,  as  no  flame  returns 
To  set  the  cold  ash  afire, 
Let  hope  of  new  life  inspire 
And  keep  all  thy  passions  strong 
That  pilot  the  soul  along. 
What  sayest  thou,  go  or  stay? 
Inform  me  without  delay. 

Candidate  replies: — 

Winds  may  blow  and  the  waves  may  roar 
As  I  go  to  that  unknown  shore, 
But  my  mind  is  now  firmly  set ; 
You  will  find  all  those  dangers  met 
With  a  heart  that  is  brave  and  true 
And  no  part  shall  I  ever  rue. 

OATH 

Voice  from  within: — 

Then  swear  to  be  true  to  thyself  and  thy  kind, 
Remember  thou  too  hast  no  pelf  and  art  blind. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


25 


The  same  as  thou  findest  the  case  with  thee  now — 
This  oath  is  to  bind  in  this  plpce  thou  must  vow — 
Should  others  be  found  and  their  claims  be 
made  good 

Kind  deeds  shall  abound  and  no  blames  under- 
stood 

Shall  mar  thy  good  name.    This  thou  also  must 
swear 

To  see  that  no  shame  ever  falls  to  thy  share. 
Thy  fathers  behold  thee  thy  sons  shall  recall 
Whose  love  should  e'er  hold  thee  responsive  to 
all. 

Their  witness  shall  be  lest  thy  troth  be  gain- 
said 

Then  speak  and  be  free  be  not  loth  nor  afraid. 
Candidate  repeats: — 

All  this  do  I  swear  and  my  faith  is  now  plighted 
To  walk  with  all  care  where  my  path  shall  be 
lighted. 

My  guide  is  not  blind ;  I  will  trust  to  his  seeing^ 
And  follow  behind  for  I  must  not  be  fleeing. 
I  naught  will  reveal  and  no  anger  will  cherish ; 
All  secrets  conceal  though  I  hang  till  I  perish. 
My  name  I  declare  is  in  truth  just  as  follows 
By  all  that  is  fair  though  forsooth  on  the  gallows. 


26  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Guide  Directs:  — 

"  Let  us  ask  of  the  Lord  that  His  mercies  be 
shown  us 

May  this  task  bring  reward  and  no  curses  to 
harm. 

Since  His  will  is  Almighty  we  trust  He  will  own 
us 

So  while  still  in  His  sight  never  must  take 
alarm." 

OPENING  SONG 
Chorus  singing: — 

When  men  shall  unite  let  their  hearts  form  the 
union 

And  good  be  the  plan  kept  in  view, 
Be  praise  to  the  right  which  shall  have  all 
dominion 
Though  followers  number  but  few ! 

The  right  is  the  end  for  which  all  should  be 
longing 

And  nothing  should  stand  in  its  way, 
No  creeds  that  may  rend  to  the  churches  be- 
longing 

Or  forms  that  but  serve  for  display. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


27 


As  much  as  our  way  may  diverge  from  the 
rightful 

So  much  will  our  souls  be  to  blame 
And  no  one  should  say  though  his  heart  may 
be  spiteful 
Some  other  shall  suffer  the  same. 

But  those  are  not  safe  who  proclaim  their  per- 
fection 

And  call  on  the  Lord  the  most  loud, 
Or  claim  to  vouchsafe  to  the  soul  a  protection 
Not  found  to  its  goodness  allowed. 

For  error  is  sure  in  the  end  to  be  noted 

Bad  plans  can  be  never  fulfilled, 
So  only  the  pure  in  the  heart  are  denoted 

To  see  in  the  end  what  they  willed. 

Events  of  the  past  are  all  fitted  together 
No  change  in  them  ever  was  made 

And  all  will  at  last  be  informed  as  to  whether 
Their  plans  have  been  properly  laid. 

For  error  is  sure  in  the  end  to  be  noted ; 

Bad  plans  can  be  never  fulfilled ; 
So  only  the  pure  in  the  heart  are  denoetd 

To  see  in  the  end  what  they  willed. 


28 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


But  those  are  not  safe  who  proclaim  their  per- 
fection 

And  call  on  the  Lord  the  most  loud, 
Or  claim  to  vouchsafe  to  the  soul  a  protection 
Nor  found  to  its  goodness  allowed. 

As  much  as  our  ways  may  diverge  from  the 
rightful 

So  much  will  our  souls  be  to  blame ; 
And  no  one  should  say  though  his  heart  may  be 
spiteful 

Some  other  shall  suffer  the  same. 

The  right  is  the  end  for  which  all  should  be 
longing 

And  no  one  should  stand  in  its  way — 
No  creeds  that  may  rend  to  the  churches  be- 
longing 

Or  forms  that  but  serve  for  display. 

When  men  shall  unite  let  their  hearts  form  the 
union 

And  good  be  the  plan  kept  in  view, 
Be  praise  to  the  right  which  shall  have  all 
dominion 
Though  followers  number  but  few ! 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Guide  introduces  @ 

If  now  thy  silent  prayer  is  done 

And  still  thy  courage  holds, 
Give  me  thy  hand.  This  course  begun 
Ends  not  till  much  unfolds. 

Behold  the  golden  eye  of  day, 
The  sun  whose  rays  outshine 

All  other  lights  in  grand  array, 
His  light  our  path  defines. 

O  master  of  the  golden  orb, 

Declare  to  us  our  counse, 
From  thee  all  things  on  earth  absorb 

Their  strength,  their  life  and  force. 

True  symbol  of  the  primal  means 
By  which  all  things  are  moved, 

We  beg  thee  tell  what  wondrous  scenes 
Thy  searching  glance  hath  proved. 

A  CHARGE 

Master  representing  the  Sun  : — 
Oh  youth,  eternal  thine  estate. 

In  thee  the  resurrection  of  the  past 


30  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Is  made  complete.  That  lofty  trait 

That  piercing  glance  thine  haughty  eye  doth 
cast, 

That  movement  of  thy  shapely  limb, 

But  tells  me  of  thy  warrior  sires. 
Shall  years  their  hoary  records  dim? 

Or  quench  their  soul's  undying  fires? 

In  thee,  the  serf  and  king  unite; 

In  thee  is  blent  the  past  of  all  thy  race ; 
In  thee  the  souls  pre- Adamite 

Still  dwell  and  lend  thee  yet  their  living 
grace. 

That  calmness  which  can  bring  relief 
That  courage  which  disdains  despair 

Still  tell  us  of  their  ancient  griei, 

Their  present  love  and  watchful  care. 

No  wretch  so  low  that  treads  the  earth 

But  harbors  in  his  heaving  breast  the  fate 
Of  cherished  souls  that  gave  him  birth, 

Th}^  kindred  of  the  past  whose  love  or  hate 
Within  thee  burns  at  their  disgrace 

And  bids  the  succor  their  distress. 
When  lines  of  anguish  mark  a  face 

All  feel  the  sadness  they  impn-ss. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  3 1 


The  highest  care  of  life  should  be 

To  keep  those  vital  flames  within  unquenched, 
That  life  and  love's  undying  glee 

May  shed  their  glow  upon  thy  race  entrenched ; 
That  thus  the  world  more  perfect  made 

May  be  the  heaven  men  have  sought, 
That  here  a  kingdom  shall  be  laid 

As  grand  and  good  as  love  e'er  wrought. 

I  now  command  thee  take  the  course 

That  leads  toward  that  orb  whose  crescent 
light 

Shall  loose  thy  bonds  and  grant  recourse 

To  ancient  times.  Thy  soul  at  dead  of  night 

Shall  follow  back  to  whence  it  came 
And  guided  by  the  planet's  rays 

Shall  learn  what  ages  past  proclaim. 
Behold  what  visions  meet  thy  gaze ! 

HEREAFTER 

Chorus: — 

When  the  sun  shall  descend  the  stars  will  appear 

And  the  silvery  moon  illumine  the  earth. 
Then  do  birds  of  the  air  and  squirrels  repair 


.32 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


To  their  nests  in  the  oak 
Where  their  joys  first  awoke 
In  the  breath  of  sweet  life  that  came  with 
their  birth. 

At  the  end  of  our  day  when  life  shall  depart 
May  the  stars  and  the  moon  shed  softly  their 
light. 

May  we  feel  in  our  heart,  well  done  is  our  part 
And  go  back  in  our  mind 
To  the  gladness  we  find 
In  the  course  of  a  life  well  spent  for  the  right. 

May  the  light  from  new  worlds  unseen  in  our  day 
Bring  its  peace  to  our  soul's  departing  at  last. 
We  can  think  as  we  may  of  passing  away, 
But  the  life  that  we  lead 
It  is  well  we  should  heed 
And  our  duty  be  done  before  it  is  past. 

For  the  day  of  our  life  is  never  complete 

Till  the  morning,  the  noon,  and  the  evening 
have  come. 

Those  who  rise  and  compete  with  glory  retreat 
And  attain  to  their  own. 
With  a  joy  that  is  known 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


33 


But  to  those  who  have  tried  what  life  may 
become. 

At  the  noon  of  our  life  fond  love  we  should  know 
And  behold  in  our  children  grace  that  is  fair. 
May  our  souls  in  them  show  with  a  radiant  glow, 
In  the  face  at  our  knee 
In  the  moonlight  we  see 
At  the  evening  of  life.    The  soul  has  gone 
there. 

Guide: — 

Behold  the  crescent  orb  of  night  appears 
Fit  emblem  of  the  changeful  course  of  years ; 
And  now  the  dead  of  night  at  length  draws  nigh 
With  glimmers  of  the  past  that  flit  before  the  eye. 

To  the  moon: — 

Oh  moon,  as  on  bur  souls  the  past  is  wrought 
Thy  visage  all  its  grace  to  mind  has  brought. 
We  seek  thy  silent  benediction  now. 
Wilt  thou  safe  passage  to  the  past  allow  ? 

To  candidate  again: — 

The  heavy  wheels  of  time  must  onward  roll, 
But  if  thou  heed  the  beckonings  of  thy  soul 


34 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


The  past  will  now  its  precious  truths  unfold. 
Have  courage  with  thy  manner  not  too  bold. 

Representing  ;}) ; — 

Now  backward  at  length  may  thy  soul  take  its 
flight. 

Once  more  as  a  child  shalt  thou  slumber  to-night. 
Thy  mothers  embrace  thee,  thy  fathers  protect, 
And  thus  on  these  loved  ones  thy  mind  should 
reflect. 

The  flames  of  their  lives  now  encircle  the  earth 
Which  kindled  thy  life  into  being  at  birth. 
All  men  are  thy  kindred  and  love  for  mankind 
Should  make  them  thy  brothers  by  ties  that 
must  bind. 

Thy  path  will  now  lead  through  a  lodge  of  the 
past 

Where  men  once  convened  and  their  fortunes 
were  cast. 

Its  name  has  been  called  Mystic  Seven  of  old. 
The  astrologer's  lesson  we  next  will  unfold. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

THE  ENGENDERED 

Beneatli  the  starlit  heavens 
Our  ancient  master  strode. 

He  taught  the  young  of  sevens 
That  formed  his  sacred  code. 

Of  seven  parts  the  godhead, 
Of  seven  spheres  was  space, 

And  seven  days  embodied 
The  round  of  weekly  grace. 

And  first  the  will  of  heaven 

Our  master  did  esteem 
The  lord  of  all  the  seven 

Whose  glory  is  supreme. 

So  Jove,  that  shines  most  brightly 

Of  all  the  stars  we  see, 
Was  hailed  as  ruler  nightly 

Of  all  on  land  or  sea. 

©  ' 

And  next  the  power  he  guided 
Was  called  the  ruler's  son. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

As  day  from  night  divided 
Behold  the  glorious  sun ! 

For  now  the  sunbeams  flashing 
Proclaim  the  lord  of  day, 

Across  the  heavens  dashing 
No  might  his  course  can  stay. 

And  so  our  source  of  power 
Becomes  to  us  its  sign. 

Before  it  all  must  cower 
Both  mortal  and  divine. 

Third  Logos  gained  attention 
Of  all  the  powers  that  be, 

To  prove  a  grand  intention 
To  show  the  perfect  three. 

See  Mercury  half  hiding 

Within  the  sun's  bright  rays 

To  teach  us  of  confiding 
In  Wisdom's  holy  ways. 

Of  Thot  on  winged  sandals 
We  tell  each  Wednesday  eve, 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


And  burn  the  seven  candles 
To  show  what  we  believe. 

h 

And  next  to  distant  Saturn 
With  rings  to  ancients  known, 

They  pointed  as  a  pattern 

With  boundless  space  was  shown. 

Around  his  path  so  slowly 

He  leads  his  silent  train, 
That  people  high  and  lowly 

Proclaimed  his  solemn  reign. 

This  son  of  Coelus  merits 
Creation's  mighty  realm. 

His  throne  of  space  inherits 
From  him  who  holds  the  helm» 


But  Mars  we  see  up  yonder 
That  glows  so  fiery  red, 

His  rays  inspire  with  wonder 
As  darts  and  spears  with  dread. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


He  hurls  his  shafts  so  truly 
To  distant  parts  of  space, 

That  all  creation  duly 

Is  warned  in  every  place. 

With  truth  his  spears  are  pointed 
The  very  quick  to  sting, 

And  at  the  time  appointed 
Disclosing  everything. 

For  all  we  know  of  matter 

Must  come  through  space  to  us. 

And  rays  like  darts  must  scatter 
For  one  to  feel  it  thus. 

9 

So  next,  and  most  delightful 

Is  Veuus,  lovely  star; 
The  name  we  give  is  rightful, 

No  faults  its  beauty  mar. 

With  love  and  joy  is  ended 

The  story  planets  tell ; 
And  through  it  all  is  blended 

The  truth  we  love  so  well. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 
D 

For  now  the  moon  appearing, 

Illumes  the  silent  night, 
As  through  the  darkness  peering 

We  see  its  crescent  light. 

Of  time  it  tells  the  story, 

Of  changes  and  events ; 
Diana  in  her  glory 

The  gloom  of  night  prevents. 

Oui»  ancient  master  teaches 

His  lessons  day  by  day ; 
Through  names  his  wisdom  reaches 

The  humblest  of  the  lay. 

Guide  introducing  Hermes: — 

We  now  shall  hear  in  turn, 
What  planets  tell  of  nature ; 

From  them  we  hope  to  learn 

The  truths  which  all  should  treasure. 

Swift  Hermes  circles  first 
Around  the  source  of  power, 

Like  dainty  budlet  nursed 
Beside  a  full  blown  flower. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


All  kinds  of  beauty  wrought, 
Designs,  or  crystals  moulded, 

Were  fashioned  first  in  thought 
Before  their  forms  unfolded. 

And  all  more  wondrous  seem 

The  nearer  to  the  atoms ; 
Thus  microbes  lustrous  gleam 

And  more  like  thinking  phantoms. 

The  lily's  blushing  tints 

On  sweetly  scented  petal 
May  give  the  artist  hints 

And  try  the  chemist's  metal. 

But  cells  have  made  those  paints, 
And  oils  so  sweetly  scented ; 

And  wrought  without  complaints 
The  beauteous  plans  presented. 

Yon  twinkling  planet  shines. 

Fleet  Mercury  belated ; 
Of  thought  and  fair  designs 

A  symbol  justly  rated. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


4^ 


He  teaches  us  to  seek 

In  every  part  for  learning ; 

With  open  hearts  and  meek, 
No  source  of  wisdom  spurning. 


PROVE  WISDOM 

Representing  $  / — 

Oh  Man,  how  little  you  know  with  so  keen  a 
mind ! 

Your  wisdom  is  folly  compared  to  the  plan 
By  which  your  body  was  formed,  where  by 

instinct  blind 
Each  cell  does  the  best  for  the  whole  that  it 

can. 

Yes,  blind  to  all  but  its  duty  it  does  its  part. 
Thus  man  were  he  blind  to  himself  and  the 
wrong, 

Might  serve  the  body  of  men  with  his  wisdom 
and  subtle  art. 
As  birds  in  the  spring  to  the  world  sing  their 
song. 


42 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


But  here  and  now  it  appears  to  most  that  we  find, 

Is  all  that  is  worthy  of  notice  to  them. 
No  other  race  and  no  other  degree  but  the  class 
defined, 

Is  quite  like  themselves  and  all  else  they 
contemn. 

What  fools  were  heathen  of  old  when  they 

worshipped  stars," 
Says  one.     ''And  again  when  they  named 

them  from  gods," 
Another  echoes,  "  As  Saturn  and  Venus,  Mars, 
And  all  of  the  planets.    Their  names  make  no 

odds." 

' '  And  strangely  we  find  that  the  days  of  the 

week  are  named 
From  deities  they  must  have  vainly  adored, 
The  same  in  fact  with  the  planets  as  some  have 

claimed," 

Thus  ancient  knowledge  is  scoffed  and  ab- 
horred. 

Another  answers  perchance  and  remarks  quite 
cool : 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


43 


"These  ancients  might  worship  some  attri- 
butes then 

Of  God  or  nature  and  not  after  all  play  the  fool, 
Bui  still  they  were  not  quite  as  smart  as  our 
ten." 

Arabian,  Hindu,  and  Chinaman  each  is  sure 
That  all  but  his  people  are  nothing  but  fools ; 

And  Christians,  scientists,  all  Europeans  lure 
Themselves  into  thinking  how  grand  are  their 
schools. 

Who  built  that  pile  to  the  sun  in  remote  Baalbec? 
What  fool  would  you  think  could  design  such 
a  style ; 

Or  ruins  Egypt  has  left  as  a  nation's  wreck 
Where  pyramids,  columns,  and  sphinxes  may 
smile  ? 

Then  ancient  ruins  of  thought  may  be  found  in 
names 

And  words  which,  if  studied,  produce  grand 
results ; 

So  never  think  that  the  past  is  not  all  that  it 
claims, 

And  proves  that  it  is    hearty  food  for  adults." 


44  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Then  insects,  birds,  and  our  animal  neighbors- 
too, 

And  creatures  too  small  to  be  seen  with  our 
eyes, 

All  have  their  traits,  and  in  getting  their  food, 
they  do 

Just  what  is  found  best  for  their  needs  and 
their  size. 

Some  microbes  live  but  a  day  and  their  course- 
is  run. 

Unless  they  may  live  but  a  part  of  some  life,^ 
Like  those  we  find  in  a  body  that  war  as  one 
No  matter  how  many  may  die  in  the  strife. 

From  all  these  beings  we  learn  if  the  truth  we 
see, 

That  much  still  remains  for  the  wise  to  find  out, 
And  prove  that  all  are  not  fools  that  may  seem 
to  be, 

To  those  who  are  careless  in  looking  about. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


45 


CREATION  FOR  GOD'S  GLORY,  NOT 
MAN'S 

i^CHORUS:  — 

Why  bloom  in  sweet  perfection 

The  roses  in  the  dale ; 
'Mid  thorns  for  their  protection 

By  springs  that  never  fail? 

Oh  brightly  spotted  adder 
Why  coil  yourself  to  spring 

On  birds?    To  make  us  sadder 
Because  they  cease  to  sing? 

You  mild-eyed  hooting  jester 
Soft  downy  feathered  owl, 

Why  tear  the  plumed  songster 
Or  pampered  farm-yard  fowl? 

To  spoil  for  us  our  dinner 

In  want  of  better  sport? 
Or  do  you  play  the  sinner, 

And  our  forgiveness  court? 


Why  yelps  the  wild  fox  nightly 
Behind  the  chicken's  coop? 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

He  surely  guesses  rightly — 
We  want  them  for  our  soup. 

But  man,  both  slow  at  guessing, 
And  seldom  seeing  right. 

Deceives  himself,  professing 
To  know  it  all  at  sight. 

These  creatures  that  surround  us 
Have  longings  in  their  hearts 

That  often  may  confound  us, 
And  baffle  all  our  arts. 

While  even  plants  that  flower, 
Select  the  choicest  spot. 

And  prove  the  subtle  power 
That  guards  them  in  their  lot. 

That  man  is  gone  with  madness 
Who  thinks  that  only  he 

Was  made  to  feel  the  gladness 
Of  all  the  things  we  see. 

But  life  for  all  is  pleasure. 
And  nothing  is  in  vain, 

If  good  for  all  we  treasure 
Apart  from  selfish  gain. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


47 


THE  TRESTLEBOARD 

Guide: — 

Next  we  find  our  trestleboard 

Must  be  explained  and  noted  ; 
Its  points  and  lines  afford 

A  clue  to  work  devoted. 

Seven  paths  are  weekly  trod, 
With  seven  resting  places, 

Each  of  these  should  teach  of|God 
And  all  His  love  embraces. 

Seven  planets  give  them  name. 
In  order  strictly  mentioned, 

Attributes  of  Him  proclaim, 
And  prove  all  well-intentioned. 

So  our  trestleboard  is  found 
Designed  upon  this  basis. 

Seven  points  by  lines  are  bound, 
Which  thus  a  star  form  traces. 

Seven  questions  mind  may  ask 
Of  nature  and  her  magic, 

Reason  finds  a  noble  task, 
But  answers  by  her  logic. 


48  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Marking  well  these  points  and  lines, 
Swift  Hermes  speaks  again. 

Here  the  truth  of  God's  designs 
Are  shown  once  more  to  men. 

WHENCE  THE  ELEMENTS 
$  again: — 

Of  seventy  elements  or  more 

In  varied  combinations  formed, 
All  things  are  known  through  chemic  lore 
To  be  produced  to  laws  conformed. 

From  crude,  coherent  poison  drug. 
To  fruit  of  tropic,  wholesome  food, 

From  clod  of  earth  to  humble  bug 

These  things  compose  the  good  and  rude» 

Yet  when  we  view  them  close  we  find 
That  these  but  differ  in  the  way, 

The  forms  of  energy  combined 

To  make  them  facts  that  last  for  aye. 

All  change  in  this  relates  to  force ; 

And  force  depends  on  laws  of  space ; 
And  this  implies  one  common  source ; 

That  source  to  thought  like  ours  we  trace. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


49 


For  thought  forms  plans,  and  plans  when 
formed 

Must  prove  an  author  thought  them  out, 
So  reason  proves  to  be  the  ground 
,  Of  action  in  ourselves  and  all  about. 

Perception,  thought  and  will  are  parts 
That  form  the  mind,  but  whence  has  come 

This  mind  that  all  our  joy  imparts? 
Indeed  all  things  contain  its  sum. 

The  life  of  man  is  but  a  plan 

That  lasts  some  seventy  years  or  more. 
The  child  must  grow  to  be  a  man, 

And  tread  the  paths  all  trod  before. 

So  this  life's  lesson  is  reviewed, 
And  each  by  all  is  taught  the  way 

That  leads  to  right,  the  wrong  eschewed. 
For  nature  seldom  leads  astray. 

All  plans  united  into  one 

The  great  eternal  whole  must  make 
And  thus  we  end  where  all  begun 

In  God  whose  love  all  lives  partake. 


50  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


STAR  OF  WISDOM 

Chorus: — 

Star  of  wisdom  all  divine ! 
Fill  our  souls  with  light  of  thine. 
Rounds  of  ages  we  are  living, 
To  the  future  life  are  giving. 
Perfect  be  this  life  of  ours 
To  impart  its  sacred  powers. 

Childhood  blessed  with  holy  charm, 
Manhood  reared  to  might  of  arm, 
'   Maiden  virtue  most  becoming, 
All  inspire  through  ages  coming 
Confidence  and  grace  unended. 
Precious  life  by  these  defended ! 

Every  part  of  life's  short  span 
Proves  the  art  of  wisdom's  plan. 
Through  it  all  we  can  detect 
Changing  moods  that  help  protect. 
To  review  life's  round  of  blessing 
Is  our  object  of  progressing. 
Hail  to  Thot,  the  holy  word. 
Holy  Ghost,  and  sacred  bird ! 


WORK  OF  THE  iMYSTIC  SEVEN 


51 


Guide: — 

Thy  mind  should  now  be  turned 

To  thoughts  of  love  and  glory 
From  Venus  may  be  learned 

That  precious  old  old  story, 

SOCIALISM  OF  LOVE 

Representing  9 

If  thou  wouldst  know  the  joys  of  life 

And  reach  a  noble  ending. 
Be  never  slow  to  meet  its  strife 

Nor  wait  for  help  and  lending. 
For  he  is  only  half  a  man 

Who  does  not  make  his  living 
But  rests  upon  that  other  plan — 

To  live  by  others  giving. 

Now  it  is  best  each  one  be  tried 

To  prove  his  strength  to  master, 
And  put  to  test  whatever  betide 

That  all  improve  the  faster ; 
For  those  are  left  who  fall  behind 

And  waste  their  time  in  dreaming, 
While  those  more  deft  and  not  so  blind 

Win  life  with  pleasures  teeming. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

But  every  one  should  have  a  chance 

As  good  as  any  other. 
The  wise  and  good  may  thus  advance 

The  weak  ones  be  no  bother. 
Then  it  is  only  fair  that  these 

As  brothers  be  regarded 
That  all  may  do  the  way  they  please 

With  interests  safely  guarded. 

If  people  want  their  burdens  light 

Then  all  should  help  to  carry. 
When  each  shall  use  his  brain  and  might 

Why  need  the  poor  to  tarry? 
For  half  the  world  is  idle  now 

And  half  the  good  things  wasted, 
And  half  the  rest  we  must  allow 

Were  better  never  tasted. 

Now  rights  are  granted  by  the  laws 

Which  people  think  are  rightful, 
And  well  we  know  they  are  the  cause 

Of  many  things  delightful. 
But  laws  should  change  when  out  of  date 

To  suit  the  new  conditions, 
And  now  we  find  their  present  state 

May  need  a  few  additions. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


53 


For  now  we  have  machines  and  tools 

And  swift  communication 
Atjlength  there  is  no  need  of  fools 

To^^'drudge,  with  education. 
So  let  the  lash  be  laid  aside 

With  work  at  length  a  pleasure, 
Since^now  it  is  the  knaves  take  pride 

In  boasting  of  their  treasure. 

The  game  of  life  has  laws  we  find 

For  safety  must  be  followed, — 
Thus,  if  the  big  fish  are  behind, 

Some  minnows  will  be  swallowed. 
But  nature  and  not  wealth  has  made 

The  balance  of  our  power, 
And  those  who  shall  her  laws  evade 

Beneath  her  might  must  cower. 

So  it  is  best  for  every  race 

Thatfall  should  win  their  stations. 
Then,  when  the  weak  ones  fall  apace. 

No  bid  one  grabs  their  rations. 
When  none  can  build  his  house  on  wealth 

And  each  must  use  his  talents. 
Then  all  will  find  in  strength  and  health 

That  nature  holds  the  balance. 


54 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Thus  Venus  lead  the  way  to  love 

With  joy  and  every  blessing. 
To  nature's  path  she  points  above 

The  truth  to  all  confessing;  — 
That  life  is  sweet  and  must  be  spared 

And  won  each  generation. 
No  future  hope  can  be  compared 

To  this  sure  affirmation. 


EQUITY,  THE  WORLD'S  NEED 
Chorus: — 

The  cataract's  booming  torrent  swells 

The  sum  of  human  power. 
The  breeze  that  once  sighed  through  the  forest 
tells 

Who  built  the  windmill  tower. 

And  deep  from  the  coal  mine  comes  the  force 

That  turns  so  many  a  wheel ; 
One  asks  in  his  heart — Will  time  in  its  course 

The  ills  of  the  poor  man  heal?  " 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


55 


The  ocean  tides  may  bring  new  means 

To  add  to  human  might, 
The  flames  from  the  crater's  awful  scenes 

May  furnish  electric  light ; 

But  while  a  few  unfairly  keep 

The  stock  of  human  wealth, 
Full  many  may  turn  from  toil  to  sleep 

In  hunger  and  ill  health. 

Now  when,  at  length,  some  electric  light 

Shall  shine  upon  the  moon, 
We  hope  it  may  flash  to  all  in  sight 

The  news  of  our  greatest  boon — 

That  all  hereafter  shall  start  out  fair 
On  the  road  for  comforts  here, 

The  good  of  all  to  be  their  care 
And  failure  not  to  fear. 

For  while  the  souls  of  rich  and  poor 
Are  turned  from  nature's  course, 

At  some  time  mingling  blood  is  sure 
To  bring  its  own  remorse. 


56 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


LOVE'S  ADVICE 

9  again: — 

Kind  nature  now  our  servant 

Should  be  our  only  slave, 
Grown  wise  and  more  observant 

Mankind  its  own  should  save ; 
Should  spare  the  widow's  weeping, 

Supply  the  orphan's  needs, 
While  bounteous  harvests  reaping 

Should  rise  to  nobler  deeds. 

But  can  this  be  expected 

While  men  for  wealth  compete  ? 
And  he  is  most  respected 

Who  can  his  neighbor  beat? 
The  power  of  the  nations 

Should  hold  such  lust  in  check, 
Till  none  shall  know  privations 

That  make  of  life  a  wreck. 

While  great  may  be  the  power 
That  some  may  justly  win, 

As  mighty  oaks  that  tower 
From  tiny  shoots  begin ; 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


57 


So  each  should  start  out  lowly 
And  grow  to  fill  his  place. 

At  first  it  should  be  slowly 
For  good  to  win  the  race. 

For  sudden  acquisitions 

With  folly  will  be  spent 
And  broaden  class  divisions, 

Since  few  can  be  content 
To  use  their  own  resources 

When  others  are  in  hand. 
Temptations  luring  forces 

Weak  men  cannot  withstand. 

To  give  a  man  a  fortune 

He  does  not  fairly  earn 
Must  some  way  bring  misfortune, 

For  each  must  take  his  turn, 
And  justice  is  essential 

la  all  the  laws  of  life. 
To  right  of  deferential 

May  men  thus  end  their  strife. 

When  nations  of  hereafter 

Shall  occupy  the  earth, 
May  hills  resound  with  laughter 


58  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


And  vales  be  filled  with  mirth. 
May  all  men  live  as  brothers 

And  share  their  happy  lot 
Each  blessing  all  the  others 

With  enmity  forgot. 


PREPARE  FOR  LIGHT 

Guide: — 

Guard  well  thine  eyes.  Our  pathway  lies 
Straight  hence  toward  the  blazing  sun. 

Once  more  prepare.    Let  not  despair 
Turn  thee  aback  from  right  begun. 

For  sages  old  have  ever  told 

That  maxim  grave, — Turn  not  from  right," 
But  bravely  strive,  while  yet  alive 

To  learn  the  truth  and  seek  for  light. 

What  though  the  past  return  at  last 

That  worshipped  sunlight  and  the  dawn  ? 

We  still  may  find  another  kind 
Of  wisdom  then,  not  wholly  gone. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

In  every  myth  there  is  a  pith 

That  swells  the  sum  of  human  lore. 

Did  sun  gods  stand  on  every  hand 
E'er  heroes  all  their  titles  bore? 

Each  virgin-born  on  Christmas  morn 

In  lowly  cave  or  manger  laid, 
Whose  head  has  shone  as  sun  alone 

With  light  could  shine  and  never  fade. 

Strange  works  the  sun  has  always  done ! 

As  on  its  journey  north  it  goes, 
It  brings  to  life  what  winter's  strife 

Has  slain  by  all  our  dreaded  foes. 

Three  days  in  hell  did  heroes  dwell 
That  from  the  sun  their  likeness  drew. 

A  cross  each  bore  in  days  of  yore 
As  saving  grace  to  men  if  true. 

The  world  is  wide.    On  every  side 

We  find  these  myths  were  known  and  told 

From  Afric  wild  to  Asia  mild 
And  Mexico  in  days  of  old. 


6o 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


A  triune  god  on  every  sod 

Whereon  the  sun  has  shone  we  find. 
The  second  one  in  truth  the  sun — 

Osiris,  Chrishna,  Buddha  kind. 

Quetsalcohuatle  with  wrong  did  battle 
Whose  Indian  temples  bore  thy  name, 

Oh  Sun.    Declare  to  wisdom's  heir — 
Thy  secrets  to  this  youth  proclaim. 


THE  SUN'S  VIEW 


Representing      —  ^ 

Children  of  this  lesser  sphere. 

Hear  me  now  and  nothing  fear. 

I  have  viewed  this  world  while  rolling 

On  through  space  like  demon  strolling ; 

Viewed  it  with  this  thought  consoling, 

Life  is  there  if  nothing  here — 

Life  that  all  have  found  most  dear, 

Though  it  bring  so  oft  a  tear. 

When  I  watch  yon  church  bells  tolling 

Call  the  crowds  to  faith-controlling, 

And  the  mystic  rites  I  see, 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

That  I  know  refer  to  me ; 
Then  at  last  do  I  remember 
Of  my  birthday  in  December, 
In  the  sign  that  rules  September — 
Virgo  or  Maya  may  be — 
As  the  name  now  comes  to  me. 
All  the  world  both  land  and  sea 
Was  at  peace  in  every  member — 
Filled  with  love  like  glowing  ember. 
As  I  glanced  upon  the  earth 
All  proclaimed  my  joyous  birth. 
For  ten  thousand  years  abiding 
Was  that  peace  and  all  confiding, 
Till  at  length  there  came  dividing 
In  a  season  fraught  with  death. — 
Till  the  races  ceased  from  mirth 
While  they  counted  every  worth 
With  the  wicked  over-riding. 
Then  the  virgin  was  presiding 
In  the  holy  month  of  May. 
In  the  lamb  was  solstice  day. 
For  the  scroll  of  heaven  turning 
With  each  equinox  returning 
Wrought  its  change,  all  nature  spurning. 
Though  twelve  thousand  years  away, 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


In  the  past,  your  sages  say, 
When  they  sing  in  roundelay, 
Was  the  golden  age  of  learning. 
But  they  little  know  concerning 
All  the  changes  that  took  place 
On  the  earth  before  my  face. 
For  I  saw  Atlantis  sinking 
With  its  millions  little  thinking 
They  would  perish  in  a  blinking. 
Then  I  saw  on  every  race 
Changes  wrought  that  I  could  trace 
Through  events  more  commonplace. 
You  will  find  my  stories  linking 
From  your  purpose  never  shrinking 
That  my  words  are  safe  and  true. 
All  these  things  I  show  to  you 
As  the  judge  of  all  creation. 
Seeing  good  in  every  nation 
I  proclaim  my  celebration. — 
Each  two  thousand  years  I  do 
As  I  pass  before  your  view — 
Now  in  Scorpio  nearly  due 
Is  my  birthday  ordination 
Past  the  bowman's  constellation. 
For  your  era  was  begun 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


.At  the  very  time  your  sun 
Passed  within  this  sign  I  mention, 
And  I  hereby  call  attention 
To  a  very  good  intention 
To  begin  the  count  with  one 
When  the  Archer's  age  is  done, 
Since  I  am  the  triune  son. 
Now  without  a  hesitation 
You  proceed  to  consummation. 


ATLANTIS 

Chorus: — 

Often  think  of  the  land  of  the  blest 
That  was  sunk  in  the  eddying  ocean, 

For  its  standard  of  right  is  our  quest 
To  restore  to  our  children  their  portion. 

We  are  told  that  to  each  at  his  birth 
A  proportionate  share  was  provided 

'Of  the  whole  that  accrued  to  the  worth 
Of  the  world  with  its  wealth  undivided. 


64  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


The  Essenes  and  the  earliest  sect 

Of  the  Christians  and  Therepeut  doctors 

Have  declared  that  the  strong  should  protect 
And  should  be  to  the  weak  benefactors. 

That  the  greatest  should  be  as  the  least 

And  should  serve  in  his  sphere  like  another, — 

Not  usurp  to  himself  like  a  beast 

All  the  goods  of  the  earth  from  his  brother. 

Thus  a  lifetime  annuity  brings 

As  each  adds  on  his  yearly  accretion 

A  most  happy  adjustment  of  things, 

Since  all  seek  to  improve  their  condition. 

Let  us  take  our  next  step  in  advance 
On  the  course  of  our  grand  evolution. 

In  good  time  like  a  tune  of  the  dance, 
And  lead  on  to  the  right  resolution. 

THE  LEAST  WRONG  MAY  BE  FATAL 
Guide: — 

Our  ancient  magicians  long  taught  it  was  right 

To  labor  by  day  and  to  rest  by  the  night. 

In  strength  thus  renewd  and  in  toil  is  delight. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


65 


They  said  that  the  sun  on  its  path  to  the  west 
Would  never  turn  backward  nor  stop  for  a  rest 
Till  darkness  had  come  with  its  silent  behest. 

If  only  a  minute  the  sun  had  been  turned 
To  move  on  a  course  to  the  east  unconcerned 
The  truth  of  their  maxim  would  surely  be 
learned.  — 

Two  minutes  behind  would  its  course  have  been 
run, 

Two  minutes  too  late  had  the  twilight  begun, 
Its  place  in  the  heavens  could  never  be  won. 

So  those  who  have  tried  all  their  lives  to  be 
good, 

And  turn  for  a  moment  to  wrong  understood, 
Can  never  climb  back  where  they  ought  to  have 
stood. 

Now  guard  thy  steps  for  many  meet 
With  strange  mishaps  along  this  road. 

We  trust  that  now  thou  art  discreet, 
And  wrong  assume  thou  wilt  unload. 


66 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


LIFE'S  PATH 

©  again  : — 

Between  two  lofty  mountain  peaks 

Is  stretched  a  narrow  silken  band, 
And  over  this  whoever  seeks 

For  life  must  gain  the  promised  land. 

The  slightest  error  or  mishap 

Will  send  thee  headlong  far  below. 

Unlike  a  gentle  mother's  lap 

Is  spread  that  valley  broad  and  low. 

For  in  it  dwell  the  monstrous  herds 
Of  evils  dire  destructions  brood, 

That  from  it  rise  like  carrior  birds 

And  forth  their  gruesome  heads  protrude. 

This  is  the  path  of  life  for  all, 

And  while  we  pass  this  dizzy  height 

How  many  slip  and  downward  fall 
To  depths  of  sorrow's  awful  plight ! 

But,  guided  by  the  star  of  love 
And  guarded  by  the  watchful  care 

Of  souls  that  reached  their  place  above, 
A  few  will  win  their  mansions  there. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

For  life  is  grand  when  once  attained 
With  all  the  glory  of  the  race, 

When  spread  to  all  and  thus  maintained, 
No  chance  its  glory  can  efface. 


SUN  OF  RIGHTEOUSNESS 

Chorus:  

Wheresoe'er  the  Sun  doth  shine 
In  its  glory  all  divine 
From  its  rising  to  decline. 

All  the  nations  of  mankind 

Tell  in  allegory  blind 

Of  a  man  most  wondrous  kind, 

Who  the  blessed  precepts  told 
Nobler  life  thereby  to  mould 
With  the  sinful  well  controlled. 

But  the  wicked  ever  rise 

Like  the  clouds  in  fairest  skies, 

Thus  the  wrong  all  right  defies. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

So  within  God's  holy  church, 
Wrongs  will  come  like  birds  to  perch 
In  the  nitches  hard  to  search ; 

But  behold  the  eye  of  day 
Drives  the  darkest  clouds  away, 
And  we  trust  his  light  will  stay. 

On  the  cross  of  Calvary 
Shine,  O  sun,  that  all  may  see 
What  thy  glorious  truth  may  be ! 

In  thy  light  all  life  has  grown. 
Evolutions  it  has  shown. 
By  progression  it  is  known. 
Living  forms  were  all  produced. 
To  a  science  quite  reduced, 
Truths  from  life  are  thus  deduced. 

Traces  left  in  ancient  stones, 
Footprints  there,  and  fossil  bones. 
Tell  their  truths  in  thunder  tones ; 
While  the  deeper  student  finds 
Food  for  more  reflective  minds 
In  life's  varying  modes  and  kinds. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


69 


So  the  soul  of  man  was  made, 
Rising  slowly  grade  by  grade. 
May  its  glories  never  fade ! 
Search,  O  sun,  for  truth  and  right! 
Shed  on  all  thy  glorious  light ! 
Lead  us  back  from  error's  night ! 

Guide: — 

Once  more  the  sun  in  glory  passed, 
We  meet  with  Mars  of  warlike  fame, 

But  here  we  find  his  virtues  classed 
With  those  more  worthy  of  the  name. 

The  truth  by  him  will  be  revealed 

As  truths  are  shown  throughout  all  space, 

For  nothing  ever  is  concealed 

And  time  cannot  the  truth  efface. 

LOGIC  OF  PERPETUAL  VERITIES 
Representing  $  : — 

Some  truth  or  reality  surely  exists, 

Or  nothing  would  be  which  is  never  true ; 

Since  nothing  is  that  of  which  nothing  consists, 
And  truth  is  a  basis  that  none  can  rue. 


70  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Then  time  is  a  verity  sure  as  a  fact 
That  7iever  was  anything  true  without 

And  space  we  assume  before  something  is  lacked 
And  truth  is  discovered  nowhere  about. 

Now  change  is  another  undoubted  affair 

That  makes  the  connection  of  time  and  space. 

Without  it  no  time  and  no  need  of  a  where 
And  with  it  we  find  that  the  truth  has  place. 

But  change  from  the  truth  we   could  never 
believe, 

At  once  in  two  places  is  not  the  same, 
And  change  out  of  space  is  no  truth  we  conceive 
Nor  entering  space  where  it  never  came. 

So  change  to  no  space  or  to  points  must  relate 
That  move  in  a  manner  to  make  all  change. 

And  since  that  is  true  for  all  space  in  each  state 
Some  truth  must  communicate  truth  through 
its  range. 

In  spite  of  all  verities  truth  must  remain 
Perception  is  therefore,  the  plain  result 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


71 


Preventing  the  changes  which  time  must  main- 
tain 

From  changing  the  truths  which  we  now 
consult. 

Now  change  is  a  truth  yet  a  change  in  the  true 

And  changing  of  time  is  a  truth  of  course, 
But  change  in  a  change  with  a  change  of  time 
too 

Perceived  as  a  truth  must  be  caused  by  force. 

So  force  must  be  true  and  by  truth  be  explained, 
Explaining  be  true  and  the  truth  made  plain, 

Perception  of  changes  in  truth  be  retained, 
Thus  reason  be  true  and  some  truth  contain. 

Whence  matter  must  be  the  first  truth  we  de- 
duced 

The  cause  of  perception  through  space  and 
time, 

But  changes  in  matter  are  ever  produced 
By  forces  that  act  on  a  plan  sublime. 

That  plan  must  be  based   on   the   truth  as 
perceived 

Designing  relations  in  space.    Then  force 


72 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Must  act  as  a  will  by  the  plan  thus  conceived 
Producing  all  change  by  the  truest  course. 

Thus  force  or  the  will  by  all  changes  is  proved. 

Occasioned  by  time  which  depends  on  change, 
It  acts  upon  matter  perceived  to  be  moved 

To  bring  about  order  and  truth  arrange. 

Then  space  was  a  verity  shown  at  the  start 
Where  truths  all  exist  and  designs  are  formed, 

And  time  is  another  we  prove  in  part 

By  change  of  perception  of  truth  informed. 

Then  reason  we  know  to  be  based  on  the  true 
Occasioned  by  changes  it  forms  designs, 

Preserving  the  truth  and  is  brought  to  view 
By  order  perceived  which  the  will  combines. 

Perception  by  reason  of  time  is  explained 

And  space  where  the  changes  of  truth  take 
place. 

Since  will  and  the  reason  as  truths  are  main- 
tained, 

Perception  is  pleasure  or  pain  as  may  be  the 
case. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


73 


Now  change  will  complete  the  verities  shown, 
Vis  viva  we  call  it  in  matter  found 

Directed  by  force,  based  on  plans  not  alone 
Depending  on  matter  but  change  all  'round. 

When  these  are  complete  in  an  infinite  sphere, 
Pure  joy  is  the  end  and  result  of  all, 

But  error  is  finite  and  pain  is  here 

Commingled  with  joy  as  the  lot  may  fall. 

If  plans  that  are  good  and  on  truths  are  well 
based 

With  effort  to  help  them  are  wrought  by  each, 
Much  pain  in  the  finite  is  then  effaced ; 
So  that  is  the  way  for  the  world  to  teach. 

But  infinite  wisdom  and  infinite  will, 

All-powerful  truth  and  prevailing  might. 

Eternal  and  infinite  joy  must  fulfill 

And  God  is  the  sum  of  all  truth  and  right. 


74  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

TRUTH 

Chorus: — 

Oh  warrior  bold  we  now  behold 
Thy  power  that  none  can  shake. 

From  olden  time  we  learn  in  rhyme 
How  truth  makes  error  quake. 

Thy  first  rebuff  is  quite  enough 
For  wiseacres  to  take. 


ROUND  OF  NATURE 

$  again:  — 

To  review  the  round  of  nature 

Trying  treasured  truths  to  teach, 
Is  no  newly  found  adventure. 

Rules  recalled  right  reasons  reach. 

Men  have  long  been  seeking  vainly 
Better  being's  broader  base ; 

But  along  with  freaks  have  mainly 
Found  fair  fortune's  friendly  face. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Ancients  scanned  tlie  distant  heavens 
Thinking  this  then  thinking  that. 

As  they  planned  by  mystic  sevens 
Seers  'side  sages  sternly  sat. 

Evolutions  now  are  lusty 

Dimly  dawning  during  doubt. 

Resolutions  vow  them  trusty 
Raising  rash  religious  rout. 

We  have  heard  a  queer  assertion 
Which  would  worry  were  we  wont 

Undeterred  from  sheer  aversion, — 
"  How  hard  holy  hatreds  hunt." 

Some  predict  with  cold  most  biting 
Frigid  frosts  for  future  fate, 

Some  more  strict  but  old  in  writing 
Breath  by  burning  blazes  bate. 

Now  the  mean,  no  wild  assumption, 
We  will  warrant  worthy  well 

Of  a  clean  and  mild  presumption 
Trusting  truth  to  try  to  tell. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


All  the  Stars  by  slow  additions 

Gradually  greater  grow. 
Time  debars  by  no  conditions 

Stern  statistics  standing  so. 

Heat  with  mass  alike  increasing 

As  attractions  atoms  add, 
Star  lives  pass  not  likely  ceasing 

Free  from  foolish  freezing  fad. 

From  their  surface  gauged  by  squaring 

Rays  redundant  radiate, 
Which  like  purpose  waged  unsparing 

Space  sparse  spangled  spatiate. 

Volumes  more  than  areas  gaining, 
Moving  masses  mainly  make 

Heat  to  store,  which,  e'er  remaining, 
Torrid  temper  tends  to  take. 

Why  within  the  earth  is  heated. 
Question  querists  quibbling  quite, 

What  they  win  of  worth,  defeated, 
Rarely  reasoning  really  right. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Moon  and  sun  by  side  attraction 
Cause  in  crumbling  crowning  crust 

Heating  done  by  tidal  action 

Through  the  thermal  thickness  thrust. 

Moons  are  cold,  the  planets  warmer, 
Silent  star  suns  scorching  send 

Heat  untold  more  than  the  former. 
Each  enlarging,  equals  end. 

As  from  steam  the  raindrops  forming 
Dripping,  drizzling,  downward  drop ; 

So  in  streaming  trains  earth  storming 
Sparkling  star  specks  stranded  stop. 

Stars  thus  grow  by  laws  unchanging 

Heating  hotter,  heated  hot. 
It  is  so.  One  Cause  arranging 

Laws  long  lasting  lofty  lot. 

Then  the  flashing  ones  that  vary 
Brightly  burn  by  bursting  bond ; 

Like  our  dashing  sons  unwary 
Dudish  dickeys  duly  donned. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


From  these  suns  less  dense  in  matter 
Growing  gasy  getting  great, 

All  at  once  off  thence  may  scatter 
Substance  in  some  super-state. 

Thus  inverse  this  cosmic  story, 

Rationale  repeating  round, 
Times  reversed  because  more  hoary, 

Gladly  gaining  goodly  ground. 

Not  begun  and  still  not  ending 

Time  transforms  teetotally. 
What  is  done.  His  Will  intending, 

Ever  ends  eternally. 

Hence  the  plan  we  see  at  present 

As  assurance  answers  all 
Seems  for  man  to  be  most  pleasant 

Fearing  future  frightful  fall. 

We  can  tell  when  mites  we  number 
Wherefore  whirling  worlds  will  wax. 

All  is  well  if  nights  we  slumber. 
Love  long  lasting  little  lacks. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


But  to  show  the  way  eternal 
Trust  to  time's  triumphant  test. 

Wait,  if  slow  that  day  supernal, 
Bearing  bravely  being  best. 


RIGHT  AND  TRUTH 

Chorus: — 

For  us  the  polar  star 

Eternal  vigil  keeps 
While  southern  cross  gleams  far 

An  antipode  on  deeps. 
The  constellations  bright 

In  zodiac  may  shine 
On  all  with  changing  light 

They  rise  but  soon  decline. 

Thus  men  and  nations  rise 

And  sink  again  to  dust, 
While  right  in  cloudless  skies 

And  truth  command  our  trust. 
The  stormy  deep  of  life 

By  these  bright  guiding  stars, 
We  cross  through  pain  and  strife 

And  safely  pass  its  bars. 


8o  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

No  change  of  day  or  night 

Can  dim  their  lasting  glow, 
As  high  above  us  right 

Out  shines  all  wrong  below ; 
And  truth  eternal  stands 

A  guard  though  deep  concealed, 
And  though  in  distant  lands 

Its  lustre  be  revealed. 

Guide: — 

We  next  shall  be  taught  by  the  power  of  will 
How  all  things  are  wrought  by  omnipotence  still, 
For  Jupiter  meant  God  the  father  to  all 
E'er  worst  came  to  worst  and  our  race  came  to 
fall. 


ONE  ONLY  RULES 

Representing  21 

Unchanging  are  the  laws  of  God, 

For  all  His  ways  are  right, 
And  though  He  wields  a  heavy  rod 

The  atoms  feel  His  might. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  8 1 


Through  time's  eternal  ceaseless  change 

His  Will  remains  the  same; 
And  through  all  space's  unbounded  range 

All  beings  own  His  name. 

To  know  His  ways  we  need  not  seek 

For  strange  uncommon  acts, 
From  doubtful  supernatural  freak, 

But  learn  of  common  facts. 

From  everything  and  everywhere 

We  learn  the  selfsame  laws 
And  common  things  with  common  care 

Best  prove  the  primal  cause. 

That  cause  we  know  is  always  One 

Who  guides  our  erring  feet, 
For  when  at  length  our  strife  is  done 

We  see  that  all  was  meet. 

But  One  I  say  and  well  I  may 

For  hope  and  vain  desire 
Are  all  of  will  our  hearts  obey 

Until  we  seek  the  higher. 


82 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Now  hopes  well  based  on  perfect  plans — 
Such  plans  as  are  most  wise — 

Arc  nearest  wrought  by  Him  who  scans 
The  schemes  our  hearts  devise. 


Some  dwellers  on  an  atom  taught 
That  all  creation  homage  brought 

To  them, 
Because  the  things  they  sought 
Were  mostly  what  their  money  bought, 
And  so  they  thought  that  all  was  wrought 

For  them. 


But  they  were  not  so  wise 

As  they  appeared  to  selfish  eyes 

At  least, 
And  nature's  cool  disguise 
Had  kept  the  secret  of  their  size, 
Until  their  lies  which  truth  defies 

Decreased. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


And  then  these  creatures  found 

How  slight  their  reason  small  their  ground 

For  brags, 
And  now  they  look  around 
To  see  what  glory  may  redound 
If  kingly  crowned  or  silken  gowned 

In  rags ; 

For  people  after  all 

Are  sometimes  clad  both  great  and  small 

In  these. 
Whatever  may  befall 

As  babes  they  crawl  they  spew  and  squall 
And  so  withal  men  rise  and  fall 
To  please 

Some  other  being  yet 

And  in  the  end  themselves  forget, 

When  lo. 
The  great     I  am  "  has  set 
A  limit  net  to  joy  and  fret, 
They  now  regret  life's  needless  debt 

Of  woe. 


84  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Deep  in  the  nature  of  all  mankind 

Lie  the    truths   of   life   that  the  race  has 
discovered. 
Often  their  promptings  incite  the  blind 

Who  may  feel  their  way  till  life's  path  be 
recovered. 

Faith  is  a  guide  if  that  faith  be  true 

And  well  founded  in  right  which  the  feelings 
can  sanction. 
Error  in  this  some  will  surely  rue 

When  they  miss  in  the  future  a  heavenly 
mansion. 

Mansions  of  life  are  the  soul's  abode 

For  the  quickening  spirits  of  blest  ones  to 
enter — 

Not  for  the  selfish  with  sinful  load 

Since  the  spirit's  true  bliss  in  its  loved  ones 
must  center. 

Straight  is  the  way  through  the  narrow  gate 
And  but  few  may  attain  to  the  life  they  are 
seeking, 

Naught  but  destruction,  the  bad  await 

Till  they  feel  the  swift  vengeance  stern  justice 
is  wreaking. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


85 


Life  thou  must  seek  that  with  love  is  j&lled 
For  the  love  of  thy  fathers  to  all  has  been 
given ; 

Good  thou  must  seek  till  thy  heart  be  stilled, 
And  thou  findest  in  children  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 


THE  VOICE  OF  OUR  FATHERS 

Chorus: — 

In  my  heart,  in  my  heart, 

A  voice  is  calling  loud — 
Calls  for  song — calls  so  long, 

Such  yearnings  be  allowed. 
From  the  past  it  comes  to  me, 
Now  at  last  I  hear  and  see. 

Let  us  all  heed  the  call 

That  comes  so  clear  and  true. 

We  are  told  men  of  old 

Have  bled  for  me  and  you. 

Let  us  keep  the  good  they  gave, 

Let  us  reap,  and  let  us  save. 


86 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Children  we  all  must  be 

Of  noble  sires  and  good. 
Happy  lot,  ne'er  forgot, 

But  little  understood ! 
Yes  their  love  supplies  our  needs 
As  the  dove  its  young  one  feeds. 

Through  the  will  ruling  still 
They  guide  our  wayward  feet ; 

They  can  chide,  they  decide 
And  wrong  in  us  defeat. 

We  should  know  their  care  is  sure, 
High  or  low  their  love  is  pure. 

Bells  may  toll  for  the  soul 
Or  ring  both  loud  and  clear, 

But  the  way  spirits  say 

They  left  this  mortal  sphere, 

Was  in  health  while  life  was  sweet, 
Not  by  stealth  cold  death  to  grtet. 

Sparks  may  creep,  flames  can  leap. 
All  life  can  grow  and  spread, 

Heed  my  words.    Life  affords 
One  path  for  all  to  tread. 

It  is  straight  and  narrow  too, 

Be  not  late  to  choose  the  true. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  8/ 

CREDO 

Candidate: — 

I  believe  in  one  Father  almighty,  director  of  all, 
But  conceive  of  Him  rather  from  right  and 

correctly  withal 
Since  His  ways  are  most  just  and  the  same  for 

all  time  and  all  space. 
He  betrays  not  my  trust  for  my  aim  is  to  climb 

in  His  grace. 

While  no  man  by  bold  art  can  portray  His  true 

form  or  His  mind. 
Yet  we  can  with  pure  heart  still  obey  though 

the  storm  without  blind, 
Since  He  tells  us  within  of  His  goodness  and 

justice  His  cause. 
Where  He  dwells  is  no  sin  for  the  good  place 

their  trust  in  His  laws. 

Not  in  books  nor  in  men  nor  in  aught  they  have 

said  do  I  trust 
For  it  looks  as  if  then  were  I  caught  and  were 

led  by  their  lust. 


88 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Or  perhaps  by  some  scheme  they  have  planned 

to  control  all  my  means, 
By  their  traps  which  they  deem  I  will  stand 

paying  toll  to  their  deans. 

Never  so  for  one  master  I  own  and  no  more 

will  I  choose. 
High,  or  low,  first,  as  last,  though  alone  and 

pressed  sore,  I  will  loose 
All  the  earth  but  will  not  for  a  moment  desert 

what  is  right. 
Of  what  worth  were  my  lot  should  I  know  that 

Thou  wert  not  my  light. 

Oh  thou  spirit  of  man  and  thou  soul  of  our 

mothers  give  heed. 
Be  ye  near  as  ye  can  and  console  all  our  brothers 

in  need. 

For  our  way  is  not  long  on  the  journey  of  life 
to  its  end ; 

Keep  us  gay  is  my  song  and  from  worry  and 
strife  e'er  defend. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  89 

FURTHER  LIGHT 

Guide: — 

In  tracing  a  star  from  points  seven  in  number, 
Three  orders  are  found  without  changing  rote. 
These  forms  we  explain  lest   thy    mind  we 
encumber 

With  reasons  unfounded  or  thoughts  remote. 

The  first  is  the  order  wherein  is  developed 
The  powers  of  nature  we  now  will  show. 

First,  infinite  Will,  God  the  Father  enveloped 
In  mystery  deep,  rules  the  high  and  low. 

His  son  that  He  guides  throughout  all  creation, 
Is  light  of  all  light  and  the  sun  of  suns — 

Vis  viva  pervading  through  every  formation— 
For  power  almighty  through  nature  runs. 

The  third  is  the  planning  whereby  the  designer 
Completes  the  grand  unit  the  great  triune — 

The  order  of  space  is  thus  rendered  diviner, 
Whence  truth  and  perception  and  last  the 
moon. 


go  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

And  time  is  the  last  to  be  ever  engendered 
For  never  complete  can  this  eon  be, 

So  being  for  all  will  be  never  endangered 

While  birth  of  the  youngest  brings  endless 
glee. 

Beginning  with  this  comes  the  order  of  planets. 

This  ending  with  space,  we  then  will  learn 
Why  days  of  the  week  help  to  prove  the  grand 
tenets 

By  leading  up  steps  we  must  take  in  turn. 

The  planet  design  is  of  circles  concentered — 

We  figure  again  from  our  trestleboard, 
And  deep  was  the  reasoning   someone  once 
entered 

As  shown  from  the  works  of  the  past  restored. 

For  space  is  the  outer  and  time  is  the  inner. 
As  one  all  embraces  the  other  is  all  embraced — 

The  moon  in  the  center  with  planets  about  her 
Embracing,  embraced  in  the  order  traced. 

Exclusion,  inclusion,  and  juxtaposition. 
The  order  we  find  in  this  planet  scheme, 

Give  proof  a  law  of  essential  relation 

As  found  throughout  nature  once  known  we 
deem. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  9I 


ABRAXAS 

The  pyramid  too  is  a  symbol  we  use 

To   show  thee  how   firmly  our  reasons  are 
founded. 

May  life  from  the  past  through  thy  veins  still 
infuse 

New  hope  for  the  future  on  certainty  grounded. 

So  broad  is  the  basis  that  nature  has  laid, — 
So  grand  the  foundation  of  earth  and  of  heaven, 

That  space  can  alone  be  never  gainsaid 

In  time  the  prerequisite  truth  of  the  seven. 

This  fact  must  have  moved  the  great  sages  of  old 
Who  built  the  strange  temples  of  worship  to 
planets 

To  rear  them  in  stages  like  truths  which  they 
told, 

The  object  of  all  things  raised  high  on  their 
summits. 

Thus  each  in  its  place  bore  relations  defined 
To  all  that  below  it  or  over  it  rested, 

While  those  underneath  were  all  needed  in  kind, 
To  hold  up  the  rest  in  the  place  they  were 
tested. 


92 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


These  truths  are  so  boundless — withal  so  distinct 
No  doubt  can  be  raised  of  their  infinite  nature, 
And  break  is  not  found  when  in  chains  they  are 
linked, 

By  metaposition  arranged  peradventure. 

Does  anyone  hint  that  sevens  once  sealed 
In  mystic  Apocolypse  ever  denoted 

What  Babel's  great  tower  to  Accad  revealed, 
His  thoughts  to  improvement   were  better 
devoted. 

But  when  thou  hast  gained  the  summit  of  lore, 
Just  glance  for  a  moment  to  what  is  suggested 

And  see  for  thyself  pearls  that  prophets  of  yore 
Cast  not  before  swine  lest  they  all  be  molested. 

Behold  these  perfections  are  there  to  be  found. 
The  spirits  of  God  they  are  called  in  allusion, 

United  as  infinites  firmly  are  bound — 
Ineffable  One  as  we  find  in  conclusion. 


The  vaulted  blue  we  now  review 
Where  Saturn  wields  the  sceptre. 

There  rays  of  light  illume  its  night 
To  banish  every  spectre. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


93 


From  tiny  mite  through  awful  height, 
These  rays  have  searched  creation ; 

So  they  should  tell  who  know  so  well 
Prime  truths  and  their  relation. 


RESUME  IN  THIRD  ORDER 

>2     The  rays  of  light  from  stars  above, 

Disclose  what  wonders  there  abound, 

And  thus  inspiring  nature's  love 

They  fill  the  mind  with  thoughts  profound, 
But  clearly  prove  there  is  no  bound 

To  space  through  which  they  ever  rove. 

Thus  from  the  starry  crown  of  night 

Has  come  to  us  an  aged  ray, 
And  since  he  truly  speaks  with  light 

Oh  ponder  well  his  words,  I  pray ; 

For  ancient  light  reveals  the  way 
That  leads  to  wisdom,  joy,  and  right. 


Ray  representing  $  : — 

From  distant  parts  and  times  remote 
I  come  with  light  to  greet  mankind 
And  human  welfare  to  promote, 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

That  all  who  seek  the  truth  may  find 
A  worthy  treasure  for  the  mind 
By  weighing  all  my  words  denote. 

In  ancient  times  the  stars  were  known 
As  mystic  symbols  to  the  sage 

Whose  secrets  lost  the  wise  bemoan. 
Five  planets  since  the  golden  age 
With  sun  and  moon  our  thoughts  engage. 

These  move  like  lamps  around  a  throne. 

That  they  were  named  from  truths  of  God 
Their  worship  in  the  temple  tells. 

In  ruins  buried  'neath  the  sod 

The  tower  of  Babel's  mystic  spells 
The  errors  of  the  past  dispells, 

For  planet  priests  its  pavement  trod. 

The  son  of  space  is  king  of  all 

As  naught  escapes  his  vast  domain. 

He  calmly  smiles  on  great  and  small 
That  strive  to  soar,  alas,  in  vain ; 
But  happy  world  does  not  disdain 

And  thus  has  praised  this  tiny  ball. — 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  95 

* '  Fair  Eden  is  a  trysting  place 

With  blooming  fields  by  waters  blue 

Where  nature  coyly  and  with  grace 
Unfolds  her  virgin  charms  to  view. 
All  joy  in  life  is  there  for  you 

For  me  the  cold,  cold  realms  of  space."  h 


But  mingled  with  good  there  is  also  much 
evil 

For  here  in  the  world  which  indeed  is  fair 
Some  people  we  find  while  apparently  civil 
Are  never  content  with  an  honest  share. 

Not  knowing  what  change  may  befall  them 
to-morrow 

They  wrongfully  seek  for  their  selfish 
gain, 

And  casting  on  others  a  burden  of  sorrow 
By  just  retribution  must  suffer  pain. 

For  change  is  the  master  of  every  condition 
As  such  after  space  we  should  laud  that 
might 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

Whose  sword  smites  tlie  haughty  to  humble 
contrition 

Destroying  the  evil  enthroning  the  right. 

While  caused  by  vis  viva  or  something  in 
motion 

In  all  of  its  forms  it  is  found  the  same 
As  light,  heat,  expansion,  electric  condition, 
In  color,  and  hardness,  or  chemical  flame. 

The  ancients  declaring  the   sun   was  its 
symbol 

As  all  kinds  of  energy  come  from  thence 
Devoted  a  court  that  was  grand   in  the 
temple 

Of  spheres,  unto  him  as  a  consequence. 

By  doing  some  good  should  all  means  be 
expanded 

Lest  power  unearned  may  the  eye  bedim. 
Men  better  by  far  seek  the  right  empty- 
handed 

Than  work  for  the  devil  and  get  but  him. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  97 


They  tell  me  that  man  is  now  gaining  new  powers 
Already  his  Knowledge  has  greater  range. 

But  all  his  ambition's  most  beautiful  towers 
Must  yield  to  vis  viva  the  cause  of  change.  0 


3)  Now  there  is  an  olden  story 

Told  of  men  among  the  stars, 
How  they  used  to  seek  for  glory 
For  wealth  and  envied  fame 

Not  by  toil  and  honored  scars 
But  ways  of  sin  and  shame. 

And  in  wealth  and  vaunted  power 
Some  of  them  became  so  rich 

That  they  forced  the  rest  to  cower 

As  slaves  beneath  their  feet. 
But  there  came  a  day  in  which 

They  suffered  sore  defeat. 

Thus  has  Time  our  hoary  father, 
Dealt  with  all  his  children  proud. 

Blessing  now  a  lowly  brother 

He  seals  the  wicked's  doom 
And  enfolds  him  with  a  shroud 

In  dark  oblivion's  tomb. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

But  before  this  sordid  era 

Was  the  happy  golden  age 
When  the  people's  hearts  were  nearer, 
Secure  in  peace  and  love 

From  the  tyrant's  awful  rage — 
From  falcon's  like  the  dove. 

Wisdom  all  their  ways  inspired, 
Not  the  purse  of  Mammon's  guile, 

Oft  by  force  and  fraud  acquired, 

Nor  did  the  wicked  rise 
High  in  place  and  there  revile 

The  innocent  or  wise. 

Well  they  taught  that  human  power 
Like  the  moon  must  wax  and  wane — 

Like  the  sweetness  of  a  flower 

Must  come  and  go  for  aye. 
Through  the  flight  of  years  in  vain 

One  seeks  that  former  day. 

Moving  onward  is  the  present 

From  the  past  forever  gone 
To  the  future,  sad  or  pleasant. 
With  justice  most  sublime 

Weighing  out  results  upon 
Remorseless  scales  of  time,  a 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


99 


9     I  am  a  ray  that  speaks  with  light 
But  I  speak  with  gravity  too. 
I  tell  the  source  of  all  delight 

And  the  work  that  all  have  to  do. 

I  tell  the  earth  of  yonder  sun 

And  she  winds  around  him  her  clue. 

The  spheres  have  known  since  time  begun 
That  my  word  has  always  been  true. 

Forever  onward  do  I  speed 

With  vis  viva  giving  me  strength. 

Each  whirling  atom  will  I  heed 

Long  as  time  may  last  with  its  length. 

Eight  times  around  the  earth  I  go 

While  your  heart  is  once  heard  to  beat. 

What  think  you  when  I  call  it  slow 

To  convey  through  space  light  and  heat? 

How  many  truths  I  bring  to  you 
For  I  tell  whereof  stars  are  made — 

Reflect  their  image  in  the  dew. 
Was  I  ever  fairly  gainsaid? 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 

I  tell  of  planets  moon  and  sun 

Of  their  course  the  ancients  well  knew ; 
And  named  them  from  the  facts  that  run 

Ail-throughout  the  universe  true. 

The  first  three  parts  of  nature  known 
And  the  fourth  is  clear  as  the  day. 

First  where,  whereby,  and  when  were  shown 
Now  the  truth's  etherial  ray.  ^ 


How  sweet  is  the  song  of  the  songster ! 

How  fair  is  the  blush  of  a  maiden  1 
How  grand  is  the  work  of  a  master ! 

Such  sweetness  and  melodies  gladden 
The  heart  and  ennoble  the  listener 

With  gleams  from  a  soul  that  is  hidden. 

Like  leaven  in  dough  that  is  kneaded, 
This  spirit  of  harmony  spreading 

Developes  its  likeness  unheeded, 

Till  forces  discordant  are  blending — 

Where  grossness  and  evil  existed 

Are  peace  and  enjoyment  abounding. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  lOI 


Enjoined  to  the  present  this  spirit 

Contemplates  the  past  and  the  future. 

It  shapes  the  fair  forms  we  inherit 
And  makes  the  desig;ns  of  all  nature 

Adorning  the  whole  with  its  merit 
From  snowflake  to  human  adventure. 

Let  man  thus  rejoice  in  his  nature 
So  perfectly  wrought  for  his  being 

And  carefully  guard  for  the  future 
All  motives,  from  sinfulness  freeing 

His  life  ;  for  this  holiest  treasure 

His  forefathers  left  to  their  offspring. 

Who  then  would  destroy  his  own  powers? 

Or  leave  to  his  children  but  weakness ! 
Not  he  in  whose  heart  love  embowers 

With  impulse  for  good  and  discreetness — 
Whose  thoughts  when  life's  thunder  cloud 
lowers 

Turn  back  to  his  mother  in  meekness. 

Then  keep  the  soul  pure  for  your  children 

Which  ancestors  kept  for  your  welfare 
For    theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 


I02  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


You  knew  that  your  soul  would  go  some- 
where 

But  never  the  right  guess  have  given. 
May  peace  be  your  lot  when  you  get  there. 

This  leaven  of  life  is  immortal 
Renewing  itself  as  by  spreading, 

And  all  reunites  at  death's  portal 

Like  raindrops  in  rivers  commingling. 

No  accident  ever  so  fatal 

Destroys  the  soul  that  is  living.  ^ 


11    Yet  nobody's  plan  that  was  ever  constructed 
Worked  out  just  the  way  that  person 
designed, 

With  just  enough  difference  in  wisdom  con- 
ducted 

To  prove  it  was  done  by  infinite  mind ; 

For  when  it  most  seems  that  a  bad  plan  will 
prosper 

The  worst  of  all  evil  turned  in  its  course 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  IO3 


Bounds  back  like  a  boomerang  hurting  its 
thrower. 

Bad  luck  to  the  knave  who  uses  much  force ! 

Thus  all  of  the  factors  of  life  work  together 
The  end  being  good  for  him  who  plans 
well ; 

While  every  event  proves  there  is  but  one 
Author, 

What  plans  He  will  follow,  no  one  can  tell. 

So  men  should  be  brought  into  cooperation 
Each  having  a  share  as  good  as  the  rest. 

As  cells  in  one  body  all  serve  for  protection 
When  each  shall  be  useful  all  will  be  blest. 

With  stocks  and  with  checks  and  a  limited 
credit, 

Each  ruling  the  share  he  earns  for  himself, 
Relations  are  settled  with  no  one  to  debit 
And  silver  and  gold  are  laid  on  the  shelf. 

For  man  as  we  know  cannot  work  for  two 
masters 

And  serve  them  in  heart  and  truth  all  his 
life. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


The  power  of  one  must  prevent  all  disasters 
And  lead  to  perfection  'mid  error  and  strife. 

His  power  is  law  throughout  all  creation 

Which  finite  designs  unite  to  fulfill. 
All  change  for  each  moment  is  under  pro- 
bation 

Of  infinite  Wisdom's  infinite  will.  J/ 


In  every  change  of  life  or  death 
There  is  a  joy  or  great  relief 

Which  all  may  feel  in  every  breath, 
If  they  will  have  sincere  belief 

In  perfect  wisdom's  perfect  plan 

And  cling  to  that  the  best  they  can. 

For  joy  and  pain  come  last  of  all. 

In  them  is  found  the  reason  why 
All  things  exist  both  great  and  small. 

Not  joy  for  self  but  joy  on  high 
Must  be  the  trend  of  all  desire 
That  wins  the  price  of  godly  hire. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  105 

So  man  should  live  for  joy  on  earth 
And  wealth  be  used  for  public  good 

While  ruled  by  those  who  prove  their  worth 
For  private  need  well  understood — 

Small  sums  bestowed  on  all  concerned 

But  naught  transferred  direct  till  earned. 

For  wealth  not  earned  is  easy  lost 

And  fills  the  world  with  fraud  and  scheme. 

To  seize  the  reins  at  smallest  cost 

And  drive  the  steeds  is  envy's  dream, 

But  when  they  once  have  lost  their  course 

These  human  steeds  resist  all  force. 

Rich  girls  and  beaux  may  be  the  rage 
Since  wealth  may  make  them  wondrous 
fine. 

What  pity  when  they  reach  old  age 

To  find  the  world  has  lost  its  shine ! 
For  steady  growth  to  power  should  give 
The  means  to  rule  while  one  may  live. 

And  so  before  I  bid  adieu 

To  earth,  fair  home  of  selfish  men, 
These  primal  truths  will  I  review. 


I06  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


For  man  has  known  and  may  again 
The  where,  whereby,  when,  what,  and  how, 
The  must  and  why  I  tell  you  now. 

Through  all,  these  secrets,  deep,  are  laid, 
From  insect  life  to  stars  that  gleam ; 

Then  read  the  book  that  ne'er  betrayed — 
Its  name  is  nature,  love,  its  theme; 

Its  hero,  man,  his  life  its  toy ; 

Its  Author,  God ;  its  end,  His  joy.  9 

$  ADIEU 

Ray  representing  $  : — 

If  any  man  with  mind  so  clear 

Can  read  the  book  his  sires  have  penned 

In  his  own  nature — thought  most  dear — 
He  knows  the  facts  my  words  defend. 

And  he  who  knows  the  past  may  scan 
The  future  through  the  veil  of  sleep 

When  he  shall  join  his  brother  man 
And  from  his  joys  a  harvest  reap. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


107 


Eacli  day  should  call  to  mind  my  words — 

Vis  viva,  Sunday,  Monday,  time; 
For  this,  the  sun  to  all  affords. 

And  that  recalls  the  moon  sublime. 

Then  Tiw  in  Tuesday  follows  next, 
Or  Mars  the  war  god  comes  along. 

Whose  spear  and  dart  his  foemen  vexed, 

While  winged  thought  is  Wednesday's  song. 

Then  Thor  or  Jove  the  ruling  will. 

With  Freya,  Friday,  Venus'  day, 
The  last  we  trace  to  Saturn  still 

Whose  father  Coelus  leads  the  way. 

These  thoughts  recall  the  golden  age 

When  men  enjoyed  a  happy  life, 
And  may  they  its  return  presage 

And  men  again  forsake  their  strife.  - 

For  o'er  a  chasm  deep  and  wide 
The  narrow  bridge  of  life  extends, 

And  those  who  reach  the  other  side 

May  learn  the  rest.    My  story  ends.  $ 


I08  WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


Guide  concludes: — 

These  are  the  thoughts  a  ray  of  light 

More  ancient  than  the  works  of  man 
Suggest,  and  may  they  bring  delight 

To  those  who  toil  in  rear  or  van. 
In  doubt  or  darkness  pain  or  grief 
Faith  hope  and  love  are  sure  relief. 

Not  faith  in  man  but  faith  in  God 
Whose  gracious  will  our  hope  fulfills, 

Illumes  the  paths  our  fathers  trod 
To  endless  life ;  but  error  fills 

This  life  with  stings  no  tongue  can  tell 

If  love  doth  not  within  us  dwell. 

How  sacred  is  the  trust  of  life 

That  from  our  natal  hour  to  death 

We  keep  with  guarding  instinct  rife 
Lest  sin  destroy  this  fleeting  breath. 

Ancestral  virtue,  honor's  might 

Should  be  our  offsprings  holy  right. 

Unshielded  by  the  power  of  wealth 

Let  each  one  prove  his  worth  by  hire. 
Let  all  he  saves  by  strength  aud  health 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  I09 

While  wisdom  craft  and  all  conspire 
Return  him  income,  try  that  worth, 
But  serve  mankind  alike  at  birth. 

Upon  this  rock  our  house  must  stand 

While  seething  floods  of  wrong  sweep  by — 

No  longer  built  upon  the  sand 
We  raise  its  turrets  to  the  sky 

And  hail  the  coming  day  of  light 

Just  dawning  as  our  ray  takes  flight. 

A  ray  of  light  through  gloom  and  night, 
A  beacon  gleaming  far  and  wide, 

A  smile  of  love  from  beauty  bright 
That  wins  a  sweetheart  to  its  side. 

Is  well  proved  truth  to  waning  faith 

That  guides  the  soul  along  life's  path. 

When  questions  that  all  minds  propound 
Are  answered  in  the  order  named, 

Their  logic  in  themselves  profound 
Unfolds  the  gnostic  eons  famed, 

And  leads  us  to  the  goal  of  love 

Through  faith  and  hope  in  One  above. 


I  lO 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN 


CLOSING  CHORAL 

Chorus: — 

Awake,  arise,  return  to  mortal  vision ! 
The  world  defies  and  calls  for  firm  decision. 
Improve  the  soul  and  keep  thy  body  healthy ; 
Make  good  the  whole  and  thus  be  truly  wealthy. 

Within  life's  sphere  is  room  for  every  blessing. 
From  childhood  dear  with  mother's  hand  caress- 
ing 

To  manhood  strong  now  virtue's  brave  defender. 
How  like  a  song,  good  works,  this  life,  can 
render ! 

We  charge  thee  keep  the  precious  vital  powers 
And  thou  shalt  reap  a  garnered  sheaf  in  bowers. 
Behold,  O  man,  thy  glorious  round  of  living! 
Partake,  who  can,  the  joys,  its  fruits  are  giving! 

Preserve  the  truth,  the  false  and  wrong  abandon. 
The  right,  forsooth,  is  firmest  ground  to  stand 
on. 

Consider  well  the  path  thy  steps  should  follow, 
The  mean  to  tell  betwixt  the  height  and  hollow. 


WORK  OF  THE  MYSTIC  SEVEN  I  I  I 


Let  each  one  earn  his  rights  among  his  fellows 
That  all  may  learn  how  hardship  hard  hearts 
mellows, 

And  how  the  weak  develop  mind  and  muscle 
When  life  they  seek  amidst  the  wide  world's 
bustle. 

That  love  obtain  its  choice  of  heart  unfettered 
By  thought  of  gain  in  purse  or  station  bettered, 
Do  thou  despise  vain  titles  sot's  inherit 
And  dearly  prize  a  life  of  worth  and  merit. 

We  hail  thee,  man,  and  trust  these  lessons 
ended 

Will  aid  that  plan  of  life  our  sires  defended. — 
Now  take  thy  stand  upon  these  truths  most 
hoary 

And  lend  thy  hand  to  help  the  cause  of  glory. 


I  12 


SLEEP 


SLEEP 

When  sadness  most  o'ercomes  us 

And  hopes  long  cherished  fail, 
Dull  worriment  benumbs  us 

The  light  of  love  grows  pale, 
Exhausted  then  with  sorrow 

We  turn  at  last  to  sleep 
Not  knowing  what  the  morrow 

In  store  for  us  may  keep. 

Bright  visions  soon  surround  us 

To  soothe  our  aching  nerves, 
Our  dream  friends  too  have  found  us 

While  sleep  our  strength  preserves. 
Where  grim  day  visions  hovered 

A  background  rich  may  form 
With  dreamland's  pictures  covered 

Like  sunshine  after  storm. 

Sweet  sleep  restores  good  humor 
And  gives  us  heart  to  live, 

To  bear  with  ruthless  rumor, 
And  erewhile  foes  forgive. 

We  thus  should  guard  our  slumbers. 


THE  PILL  PEDLER'S  PLEA 


Keep  mind  and  body  sound, 
With  life  attuned  to  numbers 
That  health  and  joy  abound. 


THE  PILL  PEDLER'S  PLEA 

One  part  of  Bible  creed 
Some  doctors  never  heed— 

Those  who  are  well  do  not  need  a  physician." 
Truth  let  them  tell  though  it  lead  to  confession. 

One  talks  to  himself: — 

It  makes  nobody  weep 
And  no  one  loses  sleep, — 
Only  a  pill  it  will  keep  off  the  worry 
Lest  they  be  ill  and  their  people  be  sorry." 

To  his  patients: — 

Beware  what  food  you  eat 
And  never  taste  of  meat, 

Then  you  must  know  nothing  sweet  is  quite 
proper. 

When  you  are  so  be  discreet  with  your  supper." 


114 


THE  PILL  PEDLER'S  PLEA 


To  himself  again: — 

For  some  are  never  well 
And  thus  their  fears  to  quell 
Who  is  not  willing  to  tell  what  will  please  them. 
Think  of  the  bill  it  will  swell  to  appease  them." 

*  *  The  ladies  call  us  good ; 

They  surely  never  would, 

If  we  perchance  ever  should  by  commission 

Tell  at  a  glance  as  we  could  their  condition." 

How  many  doctors  take 

This  fool's  advice  and  shake — 

Never  disclose  when  they  make  diagnoses 

Health  unto  those  who  will  take  down  their  doses ! 

And  so  the  preachers  plead 
Let  all  the  people  heed — 
Those  who  are  well  do  not  need  a  physician." 
Churches  and  prelates,  come,  lead  the  procession ! 

For  that  advice  he  gave 
Who  taught  you  how  to  save 
Souls  that  are  weak,  not  the  brave  and  the 
righteous. 

Life  let  us  seek  not  the  grave  which  will  hide  us. 


THE  PRIEST  AND  HOUSEWIFE  II5 

Now,  when  the  world  is  wise, 

And  people  use  their  eyes, 

Fools  are  the  cast  to  disguise  their  opinion. 

Truth  comes  at  last  when  the  wise  hold  dominion. 


THE  PRIEST  AND  HOUSEWIFE 

A  doughty  priest  of  high  repute 
Imbued  with  all  his  sacred  lore, 

Betook  himself  to  find  the  root 
Of  evil  which  had  grieved  him  sore. 

A  rustic  housewife  first  he  met 

Unbent  his  lordly  mien,  and  asked, — 
What  cares  and  evils  most  beset 
Thy  lot  with  hardships  tasked?  " 

Quoth  she, — I  have  a  wicked  hen 
That  grieves  me  much  of  late ; 

She  will  go  back  to  sit  again 

Although  I  doused  her  pesky  pate." 


Il6  THE  PRIEST  AND  HOUSEWIFE 

To  which  the  priest  at  once  replied, — 

*  •  No  doubt  baptism  will  save  the  souls, 
In  sinful  men  where  they  reside 

But  wicked  hens  no  law  controls." 

"  I'll  teach  her  yet" —  the  woman  said, 

*  *  She  knows  enough  to  fight  her  way 
And  watch  her  chance  to  get  ahead, 

I'll  put  her  where  she'll  have  to  stay." 

And  thus  this  senseless  hen  immure. 
Good  woman?  "  said  the  priest.       I  fear 
Thy  heart  with  sin  is  yet  impure. 
For  thy  salvation  came  I  here." 

**  Then  catch  that  hen  at  once  for  me 
And  save  me  all  this  needless  fuss. 

Thy  mother's  son  should  never  see 
Her  likeness  grieved  by  such  a  muss." 

The  humble  prelate  meekly  sought 
To  catch  that  wicked  sitting  hen. 

Among  the  coops  the  chase  was  fought 
With  trials  hard  for  scribe  to  pen. 


THE  PRIEST  AND  HOUSEWIFE  II7 

At  last  with  hands  all  pecked  and  scratched, 
He  brought  her  forth  with  pains  and  care. 

His  deftness  had  been  doubly  matched 
By  housewife's  word  and  hen's  despair. 

And  now  to  extricate  himself 
From  such  confusion  all  around, 

He  left  the  woman  to  herself, 

With  heart  unchanged  as  he  had  found. 

He  mused  while  going  home  that  day, 
**  The  root  of  evil  is  explained, — 

All  creatures  want  to  have  their  way 
And  someone  thus  is  always  pained. 

*  *  The  hen  was  right  with  sense  or  not 
To  seek  her  nest  and  hatch  her  brood ; 

The  housewife  too  had  not  forgot 
Her  children  needed  eggs  for  food. 

' '  But  all  are  slow  to  understand 

The  needs  which  others  greatly  feel. 

My  work  hereafter  shall  be  planned 
To  help  those  who  for  help  appeal." 


Il8  THE  COMMONWEAL  HYMN 

THE  COMMONWEAL  HYMN 

WRITTEN  APRIL  I  8,  I  894 

Why  plods  over  hills  in  the  snow  and  through 
valleys 

With  odds  and  great  ills  as  we  know  in  the 
way, 

A  throng  that  now  fills  all  the  byways  and  alleys 
With  song  such  as  thrills  men  who  try  to  be 
gay? 

They  gather  as  lost  ones  to  seek  their  salvation, 
Would  rather  be  tossed  by  the  bleak  sea  of 
fate, 

Than  meet  with  such  cost  as  their  home's  des- 
olation, 

So  great  the  chill  frost  as  they  roam  from  its 
gate. 

Is  f reecom  a  curse  ?  Were  our  fathers  mistaken  ? 
And  we  thus  the  worse  since  we  are  their  own 
sons? 

Or  will  this  reverse  amidst  plenty  awaken 

Men  willing  to  nurse  what  was  lent  by  their 
guns  ? 


WHO  ARE  COSMOPOLITAN?  I  I9 

Once  more  we  will  take  a  firm  step  to  more 
forward, 

This  corps  shall  awake  what  has  slept  in  men's 
hearts, 

For  freedom  must  make  commonweal  its  grand 
war  word. 

Or  flee  from  the  wake  of  cold  steel  and  fell  arts. 

And  now  once  again  let  us  cling  to  our  nation 
And  vow  we  are  men  as  we  sing  a  new 
hymn. 

The  world  may  know  then  why  we  spurn  its 
damnation 

And  hurl  deuce  to  den  as  we  turn  unto  Him. 


WHO  ARE  COSMOPOLITAN? 

Of  those  who  had  the  pleasure 

Of  viewing  the  World's  Columbian  Exposition, 
No  doubt  are  some  who  treasure 

Remembrance  of  things  unique  in  their  com- 
position. 


I20 


WHO  ARE  COSMOPOLITAN? 


And  naught  perhaps  was  stranger 

Than   Taoist   designs   demonstrating  their 
religion. 
Of  sin  they  showed  the  danger 

And  heaven  was  also  pictured, — a  happy- 
region. 

Here  all  the  nations  gather 

Beneath  the  eternal  smiles  of  our  Morgol  Pater. 
Of  course  our  friends  would  rather 

Have  God  in  their  image.  Would  He  not  thus 
be  greater? 

*'  Oh  yes,"  our  guide  is  saying, 

For   we   are  more    cosmopolitan   than  are 
Christians. 
You  see  all  nations  playing 

On  harps  in  our  heaven — things  never  taught 
at  missions — 

The  wise  are  thus  confounded. 

Perhaps  we  will  go  at  last  to  a  monkey  heaven 
When  Gabriel's  horn  is  sounded, 

And  then  understand  the  parables  of  meal 
and  leaven. 


so  SAYS  THE  DOCTOR 


121 


What  right  has  man  pretending 

That  he  is  the  only  creature  that  lives  here- 
after? 

Does  not  all  life  extending 

Renew  for  itself  its  being  in  form  thereafter? 

And  if  both  souls  and  bodies 

Thereby  are  renewed,  why  surely  this  ex- 
planation 
Would  give  a  chance  for  monkeys 

To  pose  in  a  cosmopolitan  monkey  nation. 

Or,  giving  place  to  wisdom, 

We  come  to  the  more  appropriate  in  con- 
clusion,— 
That  God's  eternal  Kingdom 

Has  made  for  all  life  eternity  no  delusion. 


SO  SAYS  THE  DOCTOR 

Useless  things  that  people  want 
They  had  better  never  have, 
So  says  the  doctor. 


122 


SO  SAYS  THE  DOCTOR 


Rounds  and  revels  rich  folks  vaunt 

Squalls  and  squabbles  poor  ones  have^ 
Then  call  the  doctor. 

Toothsome  bits  of  dainty  trash, 
Peaches,  apples,  yet  too  green, 
Make  work  for  doctors. 
Sweetened  milk  with  sour  hash 
For  a  babe  too  young  to  wean 
Brings  in  the  doctors. 

Careful  living  steady  ways. 
Homely  comforts  always  best, 
Need  not  the  doctor. 
Sleep  for  nights  and  work  for  days 
Needful  change  and  sometimes  rest, 
Help  out  the  doctor. 

Not  for  rich  and  not  for  poor 
Are  the  blessings  all  bestowed. 
So  says  the  doctor. 
Healthful  life  is  very  sure 
Soon  to  find  the  happy  road. 
So  says  the  doctor. 


BABY  WANTS  THE  MOON 


Road  to  life  that  narrow  way  ! 
Few  there  be  that  find  it  quick 
Without  a  doctor. 
Live  correctly  day  by  day 

But  when  errors  make  you  sick, 
Call  in  the  doctor. 


BABY  WANTS  THE  MOON 

My  baby  claps  his  hands 
As  he  feels  in  happy  mood, 

When  in  my  lap  he  lands 

And  he  pulls  my  hair  so  rude. 

The  moon  up  in  the  sky 
Is  shining  sweetly  down. 

But  why  does  baby  cry 

Till  his  ma  begins  to  frown  ? 

The  cause  is  found  full  soon 
When  baby  reaches  out, 

He  surely  wants  the  moon 
And  he  will  not  do  without. 


A  PICTURE  FROM  LIFE 

"  How  like  his  dad  lie  seems, 
And  how  like  his  ma  he  is." 

Just  now  he  cries,  he  screams. 
And  he  pulls  my  hair.  Gee  whiz ! 

But  after  all  we  see 

He  is  like  the  human  race  , — 
At  first  all  filled  with  glee 

But  he  soon  makes  wry  his  face. 

And  all  because  he  wants 
A  delight  quite  out  of  reach. 

Our  nature  there  confronts 

Us.    We  find  ourselves  to  teach. 


A  PICTURE  FROM  LIFE 

Little  Lizard  lingers  lazily 

In  the  sun  beside  a  leaf, 
Moody,  moping,  moving  mazily. 

Slow  in  action  past  belief. 

Speckled  Spider  spins  beside  of  him 
Never  heeding  who  is  there 

Foolish  Fly  feels  free  from  fear  of  them 
Seeing  all  so  still  and  fair. 


VESPER  125 

Tightly  tangled,  truly  terrible 

Now  the  fly  has  met  his  fate, 
Hardly  heeding  how  his  horrible 

Foe  has  caught  him  till  too  late. 

Naughty  nature  knowing  knavishness, 

Taught  the  lizard  also  tricks. 
Brute  beguiling  brate  by  brutishness 

In  his  mouth  the  spider  licks. 

Feigning,  fierce  for  foul  ferocity, 

Act  the  foes  of  every  race. 
Shrewdly  showing  sharp  sagacity 

Even  man  his  source  may  trace. 


VESPER  (SAPPHO) 

"E<77rc/9€  irdvTa  <j>epei(;  oaa  ^aivo\i^ 

e(TK4haa  avco<;, 
My  a  <rif  olv  re  <f)€p€i<iy  a-v  <\)€peL^ 

Kol  fiarepL  iralSa. 

"  O  Vesper,  thou  bringest  all  home 
That  the  light  of  the  morning  doth  scatter — 


126 


VESPER 


The  kids  and  the  lambkins  that  roam, 
Baby  footsteps  to  mother  now  patter." 

How  sweetly  these  thoughts  to  us  come 
From  the  poems  of  Lesbian  Sappho. 

Though  her  tongue  in  long  silence  be  dumb 
May  her  motherly  words  nightly  echo. 

When  evening's  bright  star  first  appears, — 

*'o"V  <l>€p€L<;  Koi  /jLarepL  TralBa.'' 
Her  song  may  still  hush  baby's  tears — 

And  thou  bringest  my  child  back  to  mother." 


INDEX 


Fable  of  the  Wolves,  i  i 

Instinct,  13 

Uncle  Beck — An  Ex-slave,  15 

A  River  Dream,  17 

Work  of  the  Mystic  Seven,  20 

Apology,  20 

Candidate  Entering,  22 

A  Voice  From  Within,  22 

Oath,  24 

Opening  Song,  26 

A  Charge,  29 

Hereafter,  31 

The  Engendered,  35 

Introducing  Hermes,  39 

Prove  Wisdom,  41 
Creation  for  God's  Glory,  Not  Man's  45 

The  Trestleboard,  47 

Whence  the  Elements,  48 

Star  of  Wisdom,  50 

Socialism  of  Love,  51 

Equality  the  World's  Need,  54 

Love's  Advice,  56 

Prepare  for  Light,  58 


128 


INDEX 


The  Sun's  View,  5o 

Atlantis,  6^ 

The  Least  Wrong  May  be  Fatal,  64 

Life's  Path,  6g 

Sun  of  Righteousness,  67 

Logic  of  Perpetual  Verities,  69 

Truth,  74 

Round  of  Nature,  74 

Right  and  Truth.  yg 

One  Only  Rules,  80 

Voice  of  our  Fathers,  85 

Credo.  87 

Further  Light — Abraxas.  89 

Resume  in  Third  Order,  93 

S  Adieu,  106 

Closing  Choral,  iio 

Sleep,  112 

The  Pill  Pedler's  Plea,  113 

The  Priest  and  the  Housewife,  115 

The  Commonweal  Hymn,  118 

Who  are  Cosmopolitan?  119 

So  Says  THE  Doctor,  121 

Baby  Wants  the  Moon,  123 

A  Picture  From  Life,  124 

Vesper  (Sappho,)  125 


